RuffWriter
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Chapter 596
🕑 Added 2020-06-05 00:08:17 +0000 UTCAuthor's notes: It's gonna be cliffs every chapter moving forward from here, so uh... yea. you've been warned.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-r68rAxAoVS1WpEKu_MVUdmCtXVQBvlTZzR2uYWs1lM/edit?usp=sharing
Swallowing a mouthful of tepid tea, Luo-Luo felt it seep around the lump in her throat as she sat and stared at the papers neatly arranged across the table. Shed personally gone through them all, checked and double-checked the information contained within, and they told a disturbing and downright terrifyi tale of the world around her, and now she watched Lord Husband go through those same papers and prayed he would come up with a different, less terrifying explanation to soothe her unsettled nerves.
At first glance, these papers seemed innocuous enough. A report on Shen Mus lumber industry, including a detailed estimate of what the citys warehouses held prior to its destruction. Bills of sale from skilled tradesmen leaving the doomed city months in advance, bringing their entire families away to disappear into the wilderness. Copies of Shen Jins comprehensive tax records, recounting every copper collected from goods and travellers moving through the sole trade route between West and North in the year prior to the Defiled invasion. Conflicting harbormaster logs from ports all around the Azure Sea which were evidence of smuggled goods on ships whose captains brought their cargo and crew west, only to never return and leave their homes, families, and profitable trade-routes behind.
Luo-Luo stumbled across all of this information whilst working with MuYang to verify Rang Mins information regarding the widespread theft and fraud plaguing the Imperial supply lines, and every time she found a single loose thread, she followed it to the same, unpleasant conclusion. Individually, these facts were meaningless and unimportant, but put together, they painted a portrait of a concentrated effort to move products and people into the West in a clandestine matter, and effort which had been going on for months, if not years before the Defiled invasion. In fact, had Shen Mu not been put to the sword, the City would have soon discovered a serious shortage in skilled tradesmen, and Luo-Luo suspected their warehouses had been pilfered as well, holding perhaps as little as half of what the reports indicated. And this was assuming someone had set up an unregistered logging company somewhere north of Shen Jin, yet south and west of any other Northern City, because there was far more lumber moving into the West than Luo-Luo could account for.
It wasnt just lumber either. In the year before the Defiled invasion, the North sold record amounts of provisions, cloth, stone, leather, and weapons to the West, averaging close to four times the quantity sold in previous years. Knowing this, Luo-Luo supposed the stolen goods were being moved West as well, though she had yet to uncover any definitive proof. She was thankful to even know this much, because none of this would have come to light if not for MuYangs tireless dedication and Imperial Scion Jian Xianhes canny insight, but she was all but certain of it now. Whatever shadowy mastermind was behind all the theft and fraud plaguing Imperial supply lines was working for or with the Defiled and had done so for months, which meant there were Enemy agents lurking within their ranks.
A fact she learned Lord Husband had suspected from the moment he heard Rang Mins report, and didnt share so as not to frighten Luo-Luo or colour her judgment. Even now, as he went through her notes and verified her information, he didnt look upset or surprised, but resigned, as if all of this was merely confirming what he already knew.
Logically, Luo-Luo had known that the Enemy was crafty and insidious to the extreme, but the thought that she might well have brokered a deal or corresponded with a Defiled merchant left her trembling in fright. Worst of all, the evidence pointed to a conspiracy taken on by dozens, if not hundreds of individuals working in concert, yet done in a manner which left them unaware of who their insidious allies might be. Of course, not all of those people had to be Defiled, because looking the other way for Nobles and Merchants was almost ingrained in Imperial culture, but it was mind-boggling that no one had come forth to shine a light on these issues yet.
No, that wasnt true, for also on Luo-Luos desk were reports of missing husbands, wives, sons, and daughters, men and women who disappeared without a trace and whose whereabouts were still unknown to this day. Some might have just gone into hiding to avoid the Imperial Decree mandating they take up Imperial contracts, and others might have just abandoned their lives and families for other reasons, but there were too many missing tradesmen for Luo-Luo to simply ignore like so many city guardsmen and Imperial Adjudicators already had.
Welp, Lord Husband said, sitting back with a sigh. Looks like were fucked.
That was certainly less optimistic than what Luo-Luo had hoped for, and the lump in her throat grew three sizes larger. Reaching for her cup of tea with shaky hands, she carefully brought it to her lips while MuYang harrumphed, oozing with displeasure and disapproval. Mind your words, he chided, as grim and cheerless as always. An errant comment can give hope to the hopeless, or render a killing blow to wavering courage.
Fair enough. Accepting the criticism without blinking, Lord Husband sighed and said, Still... it doesnt look good.
Why? With elbows propped on the table and head resting in his hands, the irreverent Jian Xianhe presented an image at odds with the ideal Imperial Scion, impeccably dressed and exquisitely groomed yet coarse and boorish in behaviour. Never once did the man stand when Luo-Luo or Lord Husband entered the room, and were it not for her loud objections, the lout would likely have his bare feet resting on the table instead of his clothed elbows. So the Enemy made plans to build homes and feed the populace before invading, Xianhe said, offering the barest hint of a shrug. Hardly a dire threat, all things considered, and its more than what the Imperial Clan would do if the situation were reversed.
Words which would be considered blasphemous anywhere outside this room, but MuYang and Lord Husband shared the ill-mannered Scions low opinion of the Empire and took things in stride, as did Luo-Luo now that shed grown used to their irreverence. The food is not feeding commoners, Lord Husband said, absently staring at the documents as if waiting for the answers to jump out at him. The food is for their enslaved workforce who must remain sane and healthy, as well as potential new soldiers, the so-called Chosen of Heaven. Whats more, I believe at least some of the materials will be used in building siege weapons for when they finally march on Central. Its not enough to win by relying on the Defiled, because this isnt about vengeance or revolution. Hes an arrogant man who feels he was wronged, so he means to use the Chosen to show the world he was right all this time...
Luo-Luo exchanged glances with MuYang and Xianhe, all of them unsure what Lord Husband was talking about. Who are you speaking of? Xianhe asked, stroking his meticulously groomed beard with an atrociously filthy hand. And what is he right about?
Noticing hed said too much, Lord Husbands brief moment of panic was quickly hidden by a knowing grin. Above your pay grade, Im afraid, he quipped, eliciting a chuckle from the unpaid Scion, one who was more than happy to take advantage of the fine tea and alcohol Lord Husband kept in the office. Looks like Ill need to set a meeting with Shen ZhenWu.
After an entire year of Luo-Luos careful use of the correct title, Lord Husband finally caught on to proper decorum. Divine True Warrior was a loftier form of address than mere Legate of the Empire, and so Lord Husbands Patron should be addressed as such, but for a time, Luo-Luo feared Lord Husband was purposely using the lesser title as a snub. To think, it took four other Imperial Scions using his Patrons proper title before he thought to ask why, at which point Liu Xuande explained things exactly as Luo-Luo had, yet somehow, Lord Husband finally understood. Maddening is what it was, to know Lord Husband was so smart, yet so hard-headed it took multiple people telling him the same thing before he would even consider believing it. Of course, it didnt help that everyone else in the outer provinces thought Shen ZhenWu was his true name and referred to him only as Imperial Legate, but the publicly favoured contender for heir to the throne seemed to take great delight in the misconception. To make matters worse, the Royal Guardians and Imperial Scions under Lord Husbands command had all been ordered to keep quiet about Shen ZhenWus true identity, much like Luo-Luo herself. If Lord Husband knew who he was dealing with, perhaps he would better remember his manners and stop attending meetings in his casual outfits...
Then again, Lord Husband would balk at changing clothes for a meeting with the Emperor Himself. At least she was able to steer him away from wearing sandals all the time, lest he complete his transformation into a lowly street thug and lose the respect of his peers.
Upon learning his Patron was not in the Northern Citadel, Lord Husband gave orders to MuYang and Xianhe to prepare for a journey south, which would leave first thing tomorrow morning. Though he put great effort into appearing calm and unconcerned, Luo-Luo could sense the tension bubbling over inside him as she took his arm and accompanied him out of the office. Any other business you need to attend to before we leave for Central? Lord Husband asked, and upon seeing her surprise, he patted her hand and smiled. Id very much appreciate it if you explained your findings to Shen ZhenWu before I share my conclusions. In the meantime, would you care to join me on a trip to the district? I figured Id pay my sister a visit to spend the day and let her know Ill be gone, then ride back with Mila, Yan, and Lin-Lin when theyre finished.
That sounds delightful, Lord Husband. Luo-Luo is happy to accompany you on both accounts. Heart racing in excitement and embarrassment from his amused smile, she cursed herself for her past foolishness as they collected the Guardian Turtle and headed back to the manor to retrieve their carriage. Oh how her cheeks had burned at the memory of when she quietly suggested Lord Husband behave more appropriately around his brothers wife, only for him to immediately laugh and share the tale with the rest of the family. It was a minor misunderstanding which could have happened to anyone, assuming Brother-in-law Charok and Lord Husband were brothers by blood, but no. Sister-in-Law Alsantset was Lord Husbands sister by adoption, and now they both took great delight in teasing Luo-Luo about her mistake by commenting on how they shouldnt behave inappropriately around each other every time she was in earshot.
Still, even this teasing was a marked improvement from the detached apathy and indifference which came before. In the weeks after his marriage with Mila and Yan, Lord Husband was more compassionate and amicable towards Luo-Luo, though he had yet to invite her into his bed. No, that honour belonged solely to his two amorous wives, who kept him so busy Luo-Luo wondered how he even had the energy to stay awake during the day, much less stroll about with a skip in his step. Insatiable and indefatigable were terms which came to mind, but Luo-Luos only hope of experiencing this first-hand was to wait until Mila and Yan were not around to monopolize him.
And now, with this trip back to the Central Citadel, it seemed like her chance had finally come...
Or it would have, if not for one minor detail Luo-Luo overlooked. After freshening up at the manor, changing into a more appropriate travelling clothes, and collecting her pipa, she returned to the carriage with Jimjam on her heels and found Li-Li already sitting in the carriage with Lord Husband, cuddling Mama Bun close while Lord Husband fed Princess honey biscuits from across the aisle. In all her excitement, Luo-Luo forgot Li-Li and the timid weasel-bear would be accompanying them, and while the taciturn half-cat was hardly the most affectionate person around, Luo-Luo feared Lord Husband would undoubtedly pick Li-Li over herself, if he were in need of comfort. They were a well-matched pair, so comfortable with one another they could sit together in complete silence for hours without end. There was an understanding between them, a bond which transcended that of friends yet fell woefully short of lovers, but it was far more than Luo-Luo shared with Lord Husband, and perhaps even more than Mila or Yan shared with him as well. At times, it almost felt like he was always playing a part, the part of Falling Rain, loving husband, filial son, dutiful noble, and creative visionary, but with Li-Li, he was free to be his true self. A pet-loving fool who spoke in a high-pitched voice while begging sweet Princess to let him pet her floofy face, a venture he immediately abandoned upon noticing Luo-Luos presence, thereby proving her observation. Yellow One, he called, tossing the rest of the honey biscuit to Princess while straightening up and taking in Luo-Luos uncovered shoulders and bared bosom, Could you please fetch a cloak for Luo-Luo before we set out? Thanks. Smiling, he met Luo-Luos eyes and nodded in silent acceptance of ungiven thanks, because she deliberately left her cloak behind so she would have an excuse to cuddle even if Mila, Yan, and Lin-Lin were to join them in the carriage.
Though the last time she tried this, he simply gave her his cloak and shivered with cold on his own, a noble gesture which made her feel terrible since she was a Martial Warrior and more suited to withstand a light chill than he. Perhaps thats why he was so discerning of her needs, because he didnt want to be cold again...
Regardless of her complaints, the truth was that Lord Husband had become more amenable in recent weeks, albeit nowhere near as amenable as she would like. Still, any progress was good progress, and she contented herself with sidling up beside him to discuss how his recent endeavours were progressing. With the Autumn Solstice three weeks behind them, the migration of farmers had long since come to a standstill, but swathes of skilled tradesmen were still flocking to the Western Border with each passing day, and thanks to them, the districts had blossomed into burgeoning boroughs teeming with life and laughter. Carpenters, tanners, brewers, tailors, and more, while these individuals were far from wealthy, they generally had enough coin on hand to afford better building materials than dirt, especially at Lord Husbands generous prices.
Honestly, sometimes it felt like Lord Husband didnt care to be wealthy, and would happily live out his life in a tiny yurt. Still, as talented as he was at spending his coin, he was even better at accruing it. Five days after his wedding with Yan, he hosted the second War Bond auction in the Central Citadel, and it was a resounding success by any measure. This time, they put a thousand War Bonds up for auction, because while they anticipated higher prices due to increased interest in War Bonds, Lord Husband also expected he would need more coin for his next projects. Thanks to his careful planning and diligent efforts, he raised a total of forty-million gold which he immediately pledged towards building roads. Not just a single thoroughfare stretching across the Western Border to facilitate troop and supply transport, but he also committed to building a sprawling network of paved roads throughout all three provinces. He likened it to the grand avenue which stretched from the Northern Wall to the headquarters of the Society of Heaven and Earth, except his roads would connect every city in the Empire to usher in a new era of trade and prosperity.
A grand undertaking, and even his magnificent discovery of quick-drying cement only meant his goals were merely attainable rather than impossible, but his next announcement drove the gathered nobles into fevered excitement. Instead of building all the roads by himself, he intended to only supply plans and materials, while contracting the labour out to local construction companies. A sensible move by any measure, but not even Luo-Luo expected him to give up so much control, but she suspected it was because he wanted to distance himself from responsibility and spend more time with his wives and personal studies. Still, Luo-Luo didnt agree with his decision, because it would open him up to being cheated by unscrupulous individuals, ones who would be more than happy to falsify evidence and bill him for unforeseen issues, but then Lord Husband drove his hidden knife home. The Imperial contracts would be offered to the lowest bidder, meaning the winning company would be paid whatever amount they bid, and not a single copper more. Failure to complete the project would result in breaking an Imperial contract, which, at minimum, was punishable by death.
A clever workaround to do away with cheats and liars, but Lord Husband also introduced several caveats to protect the lives of slaves and labourers involved in the project, including steep fines for deaths and mistreatment. This had the full support of his Patron, Shen ZhenWu, who announced that every able-bodied man and woman in the Empire was a resource to be safeguarded, for they were all Children of the Mother Above. Though his vocal support came as something of a surprise, Luo-Luo reasoned it was more for the purpose of morale than anything else. These trying times had not been kind to the lowly peasants and commoners, who worked harder, ate less, and were all but held in contempt as they died in droves to keep the Empire going, so a few words would do much to soothe their anger and appease their pride, even if nothing changed in the end.
Then again, with Lord Husband quietly paying his Khishigs to teach commoners the Forms, as well as his endeavour to arm every peasant at the wall with a crossbow and quiver of bolts, it was only a matter of time before the balance of power tipped in favour of the common people. Having seen the aftermath of crossbows at work on the battlefield, Luo-Luo was under the impression that most Martial Warriors were letting pride blind them to the facts when it came to their contempt for ranged weaponry, and worried Lord Husband would be blamed for the inevitable peasant rebellion.
Assuming the peasant rebellion failed of course, which would have widespread ramifications for the entire Empire at large. Success or failure wasnt even the biggest issue, not with the threat of Defiled knocking at their door, not to mention the all-too-real danger of failed rebels turning into crazed Defiled...
Luo-Luo found it impossible to gauge just how far ahead Lord Husband could see, and she wondered if his plans were guided by the Mother Above. Perhaps even he didnt understand the full breadth of his actions, and she was giving him too much credit. Then again, while it might feel like events had a way of falling perfectly into place and leaving him poised to capitalize, once she dug a little deeper, she saw all the innocuous comments and well-timed steps Lord Husband took to get there, and she realized it wasnt fate at all, but broad vision, uncanny insight, and careful preparation.
So perhaps Lord Husband aspired to one day overthrow the Emperor, which left Luo-Luo in a moral quandary. As a dutiful citizen and Imperial Servant, she was honour-bound to report a rebel insurgent to the authorities, even if said rebel was Lord Husband himself, yet she couldnt help but think he would make for an incredible Emperor, perhaps the greatest Emperor who ever lived, barring the Founding Emperor of course. Just look at what Lord Husband had done, first as a mere Warrant Officer, then Imperial Scion, and now as Minister of Finance. How much more could he accomplish as Emperor?
A stirring around her bosom drew Luo-Luo from her treasonous thoughts, and she quickly pulled a purse out from her dress, where it sat tucked against her skin for warmth. Ignoring Lord Husbands cautious retreat, she opened the purse on her lap and waited for Noodle to unfurl and slide out. The beautiful viridian viper sluggishly slithered out onto Luo-Luos silk dress, where he struggled to find traction before offering her a plaintive stare. Giggling at his adorably aggrieved expression, she offered him her palm and he promptly climbed on and circled around her wrist in a snug show of affection. Hello, my beauty, she called, using the same sing-song tone Lord Husband reserved for his pets. Good to see you awake at last.
With winter soon upon them, this was becoming something of a concern, for Emerald Vipers thrived in the hot and humid climates of the South. Even Centrals temperate autumns were too chilly for the beast, which Lord Husband claimed was because lizards and snakes were cold blooded and therefore unable to generate their own body heat. There was something to his claims, though how he knew this, he couldnt say, so Luo-Luo did her best to keep little Noodle warm.
Wow, Lord Husband exclaimed, still keeping his distance while using his foot to bar Jimjams path. There was no need to be so concerned, but he had yet to warm up to Noodle, as it were. Hes gotten a lot longer. Like... a lot a lot.
Which only went to show how little attention Lord Husband paid Noodle and Luo-Luo. Indeed, Luo-Luo proclaimed, giving Noodles head a light pat. He was only a few weeks hatched when we first got him, and hes shed his skin five times since then, though hes fast approaching his adult size. Though only marginally wider than before, Noodle now stretched from fingertip to past her elbows, almost encroaching upon her shoulder, but he was a sweet, docile beast, not at all like the books described his kin. This may have something to do with whatever it was the Medical Saint did to render Noodles biological venom ineffective, but there was nothing to be gained from asking, and she rather liked the snakes friendly demeanour. Would you like to hold him?
Truth be told, Luo-Luo only offered to see Lord Husband flinch, and he shook his head in staunch refusal, but Li-Li was game to try it. Holding out her hand without uttering a word, Li-Li flicked her cat ears and cast her eager gaze at Luo-Luo, leaving her no room to refuse. Inwardly worried Noodle would come to love Li-Li more, Luo-Luo urged the little snake over into the half-cats waiting palm, who accepted him without batting an eye. As Noodle explored his new surroundings, Li-Li watched with fascinated interest, and were it not for Mama Bun fast asleep in her arms, she no doubt would have brought her other hand over to touch him.
Unfortunately, while Noodle and Li-Li seemed amenable to each others company, Princess was of a different mind as she raised her hackles and growled, a throaty, guttural sound which turned Luo-Luos stomach and raised Noodles vigil. It was almost hypnotic watching him rise up in warning, swaying ever so gently from side to side while baring fangs and forked tongue. Terrified the weasel-bear would make short work of Noodle, Luo-Luo hastily collected her little friend and gently clutched him close to her chest while humming a cheery tune. Thankfully, this was enough to appease not just Noodle, but Princess as well, who settled back on her haunches and sat on the carriage seat, clutching Li-Lis arm close for comfort like an adorable toddler with her mother.
This of course set Lord Husband back to trying to win the weasel-bears affection, all the while keeping a close eye on Noodle. The rest of their carriage ride passed by in relative peace, and they spent the rest of the day playing with Lin-Lin and the twins and taking a stroll through the districts. Not just the much transformed Bekhai district, which they shared with many of the original farmers who worked on Lord Husbands beet farms, but also the neighbouring district to the south, which was not quite as beautifully crafted as the Bekhai district, but had a homey sense of comfort about it. Even on foot, it took less than two hours to cover the distance, and it didnt even take half that for Lord Husbands cattle wagon to bring them back. Yet another venture of his, putting his many cattle to work hauling people and goods along the districts for a small fee. Thus far, his wagons only covered a dozen or so districts since he had yet to find enough people he trusted to care for his precious pets, but the sweet bull pulling their wagon seemed happy enough, and even greeted Luo-Luo with an affectionate nuzzle.
So much had changed in only a few short weeks. Rubber, glass, concrete, War Bonds, the world was changing around them at a breakneck pace, but even then, Luo-Luo worried things were not changing fast enough. Days before Milas wedding, Lord Husband proposed to marry Luo-Luo on the Winter Solstice, and she turned him down, but now it was all she could do not to break down in tears with each passing day. Their relationship had improved to the point where they were less than strangers and more than friends, but it just wasnt enough. They took strolls together at night and sometimes sat together for meals, but never alone and only rarely outside the company of his wives. Mila and Yan were utterly intoxicated by Lord Husband, and he with them, which meant even though almost a month had passed since his wedding with Yan, Luo-Luo was still an outsider looking in.
Oh, if only she hadnt rejected his proposal like a moon-eyed fool... At this rate, she would be well into her thirties before he was ready to marry her, and that was assuming there were no other women besides Li-Li and Lin-Lin in his life. What if that fox Dain succeeded in winning his affections, or the hordes of other women who sought to bear the child of an Imperial Scion. Liu Xuande and his fellow Imperial Scions were also bombarded with proposals and the like, but thus far, theyd resisted the urge to sow their seeds amongst the outer provinces and only kept company with the Imperial slaves they brought with them from the East. None of them seemed thrilled by the prospect of giving their children over to Imperial Service, and Luo-Luo could not fault them, for if Lord Husbands children were also fated to... be given...
Wait.
Assumptions... Luo-Luo was guilty of them more often than not, for she often felt like the answer was so obvious it didnt bear further study, but what if this were like the misunderstanding with Lord Husband and Brother-in-Law Charok? Luo-Luo assumed they were related, because it appeared as if they were, just as she assumed Lord Husbands children would be Imperial Scions themselves, but what if she was mistaken? The tenth generation of Nobility was always given over to Imperial Service, but while she assumed Lord Husband would be considered a first generation Noble, generation was usually determined by relation to the Emperor Himself.
And Lord Husband had no relationship to this Emperor, or the next, or any Emperor whatsoever, which meant that while he could be considered first generation, it could also be argued he was more than ten generations removed from any Emperor, meaning...
Meaning any child of his must be given over to Imperial Service.
Hey? You seem distracted. Is everything alright? So distraught by her unexpected discovery, Luo-Luo had no recollection of returning home to their manor. Around her, Lord Husbands loving family sat about the courtyard in their couch swings and along the veranda to enjoy the cool autumn night. Before her sat Lord Husbands concerned expression, cuddling Mama Bun once more while Banjo and Baloo begged for his attention. Grinning as he embraced each bear in turn, he sat down beside her and laughed as the bears settled into their laps. Nudging her ever so gently with his elbow, he stroked Baloos head and said, Im here if you want to talk, or if you just want some company. If you just want to be alone, feel free to let me know and Ill leave you to your thoughts, no offence taken.
Its nothing, she lied, too terrified to even consider the implications, for Lord Husband was not one to easily give up his child. Even securing jobs for his cattle was proving next to impossible, and he had trained Martial Warriors spying on village cart drivers to ensure his precious floofs were not harmed. Luo-Luo herself was not much better, for she always dreamed that her Patron would be kind enough to let her keep her children and powerful enough that it wouldnt be an issue. Hell, she even privately hoped this cattle wagon venture failed so she could bring them back to live on the ranch and appreciate her music, for she noticed some of the cattle seemed upset by the loss of their friends. How was she supposed to live knowing her child might go through the same pains she had, or worse?
Doesnt seem like nothing, Lord Husband said, keeping his tone carefully neutral. But its fine if you dont want to talk about it. Just know, Im here if you do, and so are Yan, Mila, Lin-Lin, and everyone else.
It was almost enough to make her cry, and she wanted to blurt out her suspicions for him to hear, but there was too much hinging on his good relationship with Shen ZhenWu, and this revelation was sure to stress it, whether her suspicions were true or not. Thank you, Lord Husband, she said, grateful shed found such a kind and caring Patron. But its nothing.
Her actions betrayed her words as she wrapped her arms around his and leaned heavily against him, seeking comfort from his warm and sturdy presence. There they sat with the bears heads in their laps, stroking their fur and smiling at their silly expressions as if secluded in their own private world. It was so soothing and peaceful, Luo-Luo didnt even notice that the others had left them alone, not until Lord Husband cleared his throat and said, Well, its getting late. We should head off to bed.
Gently lowering Baloos snoring head down into the grass, Lord Husband straightened up and brushed the dust from his pants. Then, he hesitated ever so slightly before offering her his hand with a shy, almost expectant smile and asked, Would you like me to walk you to your room?
A question shed been waiting to hear for agonizing months, an implication only barely hinted at to leave her ample room to refuse, because he didnt want her to feel forced into this. Luo-Luo knew she should refuse, at least until she made certain of his Imperial Status, but shed been waiting for this moment for so long, had ached for it, dreamed of it, and now it was finally here...
Yes, she said, the word coming out hot and heavy. Yes, that would be
Trouble approaches, Junior Brother. Appearing before them out of thin air, the Abbot gently lowered two heavy, stained sacks to his feet before collapsing into the grass. Raising a blood-covered hand in supplication, the aged Abbot intoned, Eh-Mi-Tuo-Fuo, such pride, such sin. Our foes return home with tales of victory and triumph, while our presence provides proof of a shameful defeat.
It was only then that Luo-Luo realized the sacks were not sacks at all, but the crumpled forms of Ancestral Beasts, namely Guan Suo and GangShu themselves. Blood, dirt, and injuries covered them from head to toe, and the Abbot did not look much better. They will bring violence and bloodshed, Junior Brother, the Abbot said, his voice calm and eyes crazed. And this one is helpless to stop them.
With that, the Abbot collapsed in the grass and Lord Husband ran over to help him, leaving Luo-Luo to consider if this latest tribulation was too much for her poor heart to bear.
Comments
Aaron Martinez
"downright terrifyi tale" Should be terrifying "less than strangers and more than friends" This is backwards, should be: more than strangers and less than friends.
Aaron Martinez
If her theory is right then it guarantees Bekhai rebellion. They would not take kindly to amber-eyed children being forced into slavery. And this time Rain would be right there with them. This coming right after she was feeling conflicted about the inevitable peasant rebellion. Guess she might not feel so conflicted anymore.
You ain't wrong, but I really wanted to do the weddings and stuff
NeWorlDark
Really hope the Abbott is being a drama queen
yesss finally this arc is over. it wasn't bad, it was just too long in my honest opinion
Steven Howell
going to laugh my ass off if we eventually get Chairmen Rain
CentaureHeart
Damn.. Rain really needs to warn the Legate about the traitors. Then he needs to drop everything and focus like hell on recovering
Arnon Parenti
At this point I think Rain is the luckiest man in the two universes while Luo Luo is the unluckiest woman in creation.
BadSnake971
The universe itself has the hobby of cockblocking luo-luo
Andrew
Thank you!
Gardor
Well consider me excited
lala jhones
When the abbot first spoke I thought it was Monk Happy, then I'm like "ooh no." Also poor Lou-Lou, that really sucks if her theory is right...
You had me very scared, from the wording I thought it might be there heads in the sack's not them being the sack's
Thransk
Oh shit!
