Chapter 122

Chapter 122: The Long River Rolls On, Reaching the North (Part 5)

Inside the spacious imperial carriage, four people were each engaged in their own tasks: some were engrossed 

in handling state affairs, some quietly served, some clattered away on their abacuses, and some gazed blankly at 

the rushing scenery outside the window.

At the head of the main army were Luo Shui and Mo Qingjue, along with several of their deputies. 

Cheng Tian Yang suddenly turned to Si Cang Qing, "Your Majesty, what should be done with Mo Qingjue?"

The sound of the abacus abruptly ceased. Qiu Ping Tian and Feng Lan both looked at the speaker.

After a long silence, Si Cang Qing finally said slowly, "We can't act for now." He turned to Feng Lan and 

instructed, "Lan, have people closely monitor his every move and everyone he contacts. Also, investigate the 

activities of the Flower Goddess Temple in Chaojiang City."

"Yes, Master."

Qiu Ping Tian frowned slightly and said, "Mo Qingjue, son of Mo Qu, a local gentry in Liuxian County, 

Jiangdong, has never left Jiangdong Prefecture since childhood. Yet, his character and talent are widely praised 

in the village. It's strange, though; he's clearly a talented and ambitious man, but he's never participated in the 

provincial examinations, only working as an ordinary private tutor."

"A mere scholar, who has seen little battlefield combat, yet Mo Qingjue can command hundreds of thousands 

of troops to attack cities and kill enemies without batting an eye… This man is truly extraordinary!"

A moment of silence followed.

"Qiu, have your spies cooperate with the Shadow Guards to investigate," Si Cang Qing instructed Qiu Ping Tian 

after a long pause.

Now that the war is over, the biggest hidden danger is the person who has been leading him into this meticulously 

planned scheme—Mo Qingjue is currently the prime suspect.

"Naturally," Qiu Ping Tian nodded, thought for a moment, and added, "However, one thing has been clarified...

Mo Qingjue's ancestors were not from Liuxian County."

"What do you mean?"

“Twenty-seven years ago, Mo Qu married into the Jia family, but for some reason, Mo Qingjue didn't take the Jia 

surname.”

“Mo Qu?” Si Cang Qing pondered for a moment. “Where was he originally from?”

Qiu Ping Tian chuckled. “It’s rather strange… It’s said that Mo Qu is from the Purple Sea of ​​the South China Sea. 

As for why he came to the mainland, that’s unknown.”

The South China Sea…

If that’s the case, things are a bit complicated. The three-colored islands of the South China Sea have always been 

isolated from the world. On the surface, they are vassal states of Hongcheng, but in reality, they haven’t had 

contact for many years. That’s why Si Cang Qing didn’t intend to continue attacking the Three Seas.

“Qiu, have you found the whereabouts of the Qiang clan?”

“No,” Qiu Ping Tian mused, “According to Qiang Ren Zhi's notes, the Qiang clan should have been secretly 

supporting the Yuwen clan all along. But after the incident with the living human gu that year, the already highly 

mysterious Qiang clan gradually vanished.”

At this point, Qiu Ping Tian jolted, turning to look at Si Cang Qing with sudden realization. "So you mean... 

The Qiang clan didn't decline—they... withdrew to the South Sea?“ She then frowned in confusion. ”If that's the 

case, why did they allow the Guangyu Kingdom to fall, given the agreement passed down between the Yuwen 

and Qiang clans?"

The mysteries deepened. Clearly, a formidable figure had been secretly aiding the Guangyu Kingdom... Yet, 

despite such power, beyond the initial Xuanji Seven-Star Formation, they remained utterly passive against the 

vast Canghuan army. After Guangyu's fall, however, they repeatedly set traps to harm Si Cang Qing, later turning 

the tables by manipulating Cheng Tian Yi and using Canghuan's hand to destroy Hongcheng—as if orchestrating 

a restoration.

Si Cang Qing lowered his eyes, staring at the scroll in his hands, and said only, “All conspiracies will eventually 

be exposed.”

“True,” Qiu Ping Tiang relaxed slightly, smiling. “Why not send someone to investigate across the South Sea?”

Shaking his head slightly, Si Cang Qing replied calmly, " The Three Sea Islands hold many taboos and guard 

fiercely against outsiders.“ He lifted his gaze to meet Qiu Ping Tian's. ”Let us set this matter aside for now. 

I require your assistance with two other matters."

“What matters?”

“Find some skilled craftsmen, and...” Si Cang Qing frowned slightly. “Where might we find sulfur mines?”

“Sulfur mines?” Qiu Ping Tian looked puzzled.

Si Cang Qing offered no further explanation... Well, better to make detailed arrangements back in the capital. 

Rushing things might backfire. Just now, when Qiu Ping Tian mentioned the South Sea, an idea had suddenly 

struck him.

—If his intuition proved correct, then... there would likely be one final battle: the subjugation of the Three Seas. 

But compared to this southern campaign, subjugating the Three Seas would prove far more arduous. First, 

large-scale naval battles were inevitable. Yet the people of the former Three Kingdoms had lived inland their 

entire lives, lacking soldiers experienced in sea warfare or vessels suited for naval combat. Second, his injury 

from gunpowder at Yaoshan Ridge indicated that the explosives once crafted by the Mystic Pavilion had indeed 

fallen into enemy hands... It was highly probable that it had fallen into the hands of the Qiang clan. Therefore... 

the Canghuan Army must also acquire gunpowder as soon as possible.

If this speculation proved true, then true peace and tranquility for this continent would likely remain a distant 

prospect... To prevent potential disasters before they arose, it was imperative to swiftly establish a formidable 

naval force, while simultaneously constructing large warships and developing gunpowder weapons.

After listening silently to their discussion for a long while, Feng Lan suddenly spoke up, “Master, what shall we 

do with Cheng Tian Yi?” His gaze drifted involuntarily toward Cheng Tian Yang seated beneath the window.

Cheng Tian Yang, however, remained composed. Since that day, he had shown no further signs of distress.

“First, take him to the imperial prison for interrogation,” Si Cang Qing said calmly, observing Cheng Tian Yang's 

indifferent expression. “Then... execute him!”

◇Cang◇Huan◇Qi◇Gong◇

The elegant music, clear and serene, brought a wave of comfort to the heart.

The strings trembled once, then abruptly fell silent. Cheng Tian Bi rose with delight, her voice tinged with urgency. 

“Qing, you're back?” he quickly walked to Si Cang Qing, his usually indifferent face now showing obvious 

excitement.

Gently wrapping an arm around his waist, Si Cang Qing murmured a soft “Mm.” He lowered his eyes, studying 

the other's slightly fuller cheeks. His complexion looked far healthier than before.

The slight unease that had hung in the air settled into a quiet reassurance.

“Qing,” Cheng Tian Bi gazed intently at Si Cang Qing's face, sighing, “You've grown so thin... This past half-year 

must have been terribly hard for you!” His words carried a faint ache of concern.

Speaking, Cheng Tian Bi took the other's hand and led him back to the main hall. Along the way, he inquired 

about the army's provisions, lodging, and daily life, deliberately avoiding any mention of the war.

“Bi, Cheng Tian Yi and his mother are now imprisoned in the Imperial Dungeon.”

His silence didn't mean Si Cang Qing wouldn't bring it up. Regardless of how the other felt, what needed to be 

faced head-on must not be avoided.

After a moment's pause, Cheng Tian Bi smiled faintly, his tone relaxed. "I heard. Catching the deep contemplation 

in his eyes as he glanced back, he murmured softly, “With you at the helm of the realm, a century of prosperity is 

assured.”

As for the rest, it was all dust in the wind now. Why dwell on it?

From within the imperial prison, the woman's hysterical screams echoed intermittently.

“Release this Empress Dowager! Cheng Tian Yang, you bastard...” Vicious curses filled the air, utterly 

unbecoming of a sovereign's matriarch.

Across the chamber, Cheng Tian Yi sat with a darkened expression, yet an eerie stillness hung over him. He 

remained seated, facing the interrogation without uttering a word.

Feng Lan exchanged a glance with Mo Zhiyan, and the two prepared to leave—after all, this interrogation was 

merely a formality; the final outcome would remain unchanged.

Truth be told, Cheng Tian Yang, who had once hated Cheng Tian Yi and his mother with a passion, had resumed 

his former life upon returning to the capital. He paid no heed to external affairs and had no opinion on how to 

deal with Cheng Tian Yi.

“Wait!”

Hearing the call, Feng Lan turned to face the man, only to see a strange smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Her guard instantly rising, Feng Lan coldly demanded, “What else is there?” This man had remained silent 

throughout the proceedings—what new trick was he attempting now?

Cheng Tian Yi didn't even glance at Feng Lan, casually wiping his sleeve as he spoke. “Tell Cheng Tian Bi that 

I wish to see him!” His tone carried no hint of restraint.

“See me?” Cheng Tian Bi murmured, instinctively looking at Si Cang Qing seated nearby. The latter frowned 

slightly. “What... does he want with me?”

Feng Lan shook his head gently. “I don't know either. He hasn't spoken a word since the interrogation.”

After lowering his gaze in deep thought for a long moment, Cheng Tian Bi sighed softly. “I... don't wish to see 

him.” Those past events were over and done with—why stir them up again?

With a look of hesitation, Feng Lan spoke uncertainly, “But... Cheng Tian Yi said that if you want to know where 

your mother's remains are, you must meet with him alone.”

Cheng Tian Bi snapped her head up, her composure finally shattered. Her expression was filled with urgency and 

grief. “He said that?”

“Yes!”

“Qing...” Cheng Tian Bi looked frantically at Si Cang Qing, whose brow furrowed even deeper. Panic surged 

within him, a vague sense that he shouldn't meet that man... But... his mother's remains...

Si Cang Qing pressed his lips together. After a moment, he looked coldly at Cheng Tian Bi. “You needn't see him.”

Let him go meet Cheng Tian Yi himself and see what trouble he could stir up! Regarding Mu Lianxiang's remains, 

Si Cang Qing had heard bits and pieces from Cheng Tian Yang. The withered tree they had paid respects to that 

day was not where Mu Lianxiang was buried. Cheng Tian Yang had said that after Mu Lianxiang met a tragic end 

in the Cold Palace, he had watched helplessly as her body was dragged away. After that, he could never trace 

the whereabouts of her remains.

To commemorate and serve as a reminder, Cheng Tian Yang planted Mu Lianxiang's favorite flowering tree in that 

secluded spot outside the Tianxiang Pavilion. But... the tree eventually withered and died. From then on, 

Cheng Tian Yang used that dead wood as a grave marker to pay homage to his mother.

“Qing,” Cheng Tian Bi shook his head slightly, his expression carrying a faint hint of disagreement, “Don't worry. 

I... will go see him. Perhaps...”

Seeing the resolute look in his eyes, Si Cang Qing finally stopped trying to dissuade him.

“Brother!”

Cheng Tian Yang intercepted Cheng Tian Bi, turning to stare at the oppressive, icy dungeon. His voice was cold. 

“I'll go!”

Cheng Tian Yi wanted to see Cheng Tian Bi, and clearly, his intentions weren't good. He couldn't let his brother 

see him. After finally pulling himself together and returning to a semblance of normal life, that man would ruin 

it all again!

“Yang'er,” Cheng Tian Bi's voice carried understanding, “You don't understand... Cheng Tian Yi is stubborn 

and mad. If we don't do things his way, we'll never get any information out of him...”

“I'm not that fragile.”

Turning to glance at Si Cang Qing standing at a distance, Cheng Tian Bi offered a faint smile. After enduring 

the fiery trials of purgatory, rebirth awaited. Nothing could knock him down again!

“Brother...”

“Enough!” Cheng Tian Bi soothed softly. “Once we locate Mother Empress's remains, we must fulfill our filial 

duty properly!”

With that, ignoring the other's clear disapproval, Cheng Tian Bi entered the punishment cell alone as requested.

Suppressing their unease, Cheng Tian Yang and Si Cang Qing waited outside.

The sky gradually darkened.

Nearly an hour had passed since Cheng Tian Bi entered. Cheng Tian Yang clutched Si Cang Qing's hand tightly, 

his gaze fixed intently on the prison gate.

Suddenly, commotion erupted from within, followed by terrified cries: “Your Highness, Consort Bi!”

Hearing the cry, Si Cang Qing channeled his energy into his legs and rushed over. Before he reached the door, 

he saw the figure being supported by several guards, trembling violently and vomiting furiously, as if trying to 

expel every organ from his body...

“Brother!”

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