Chapter 372: 372. Bounty and Temptation

Translator: 549690339

The sudden upheaval in the Liang Country’s Royal Family quickly spread.

Discerning people knew that it was Situ Xie’s plot to seize power and usurp the throne. It seemed that only Situ Han had died for now, but his sons would not have a good ending. The first one to be targeted would be Situ Jing.

Ironically, Situ Xie issued such a ruthless order against his nominal nephew Situ Jing, and it was both reasonable and justifiable because Situ Jing had already betrayed the Liang Country, changed his name to Qiao Jing, and became the Chief General of Qian Country’s Northern Army. Who could tolerate such treason?

When the news entered Qian Country, it reached Xuanbei City first.

When Qiao Cong heard about it, he had just bought some roasted chicken outside and took out a jar of good wine that Su Liang had sent during the Mid-Autumn Festival, intending to have a few drinks with his Qiao Jing and his grandson.

Hearing the spy hurriedly coming in, saying that there was news from the Liang Country, Qiao Cong tore off a huge chicken leg and sneered, “News from the Liang Country? Have they launched an attack? Or has Situ Han been struck by lightning and died?”

Qiao Jing knew that Qiao Cong hated Situ Han the most, so it was normal for him to say such things.

The spy quickly reported the changes in the Liang Country’s Royal Family. Qiao Jing’s eyes narrowed, and Qiao Cong stopped eating the chicken leg halfway through.

“Tigers don’t eat their cubs. Situ Xie actually killed Situ Han for the Imperial Throne?” Although Qiao Cong hoped that Situ Han wouldn’t die a good death, he didn’t expect this outcome.

The spy then mentioned the matter directly related to them, “The new Emperor Liang has offered a reward of 100,000 taels of gold for General Qiao’s head.”

Qiao Jing’s expression only became calmer. If Situ Xie could eliminate Situ Han, it showed that he had completely shed his disguise after the continuous failures of his plans in the past two years, revealing his true cruel and ruthless nature. How could he possibly spare Qiao Jing, the person who ruined his big plan and mercilessly crushed his face into the ground?

Qiao Cong instantly burst into rage, “That cheap bastard, Situ Xie! I knew it! 100,000 taels of gold? Good, I’d like to see who has the guts to kill my grandson! I’ve been itching to have a go for a long time!”

The last sentence was true. The main reason why Qiao Cong insisted on following Qiao Jing to Xuanbei City and staying with him was because he was afraid that he would be assassinated by the Liang Country’s Royal Family. While waiting for something to happen, Qiao Jing said that the time hadn’t come yet and indeed, the time had come now!

“Grandfather, eat the chicken quickly before it gets cold.” Qiao Jing pulled Qiao Cong and made him sit back down, then let the spy rest and called someone else over.

Soon, urgent news from Xuanbei City set off for the capital city.

After completing these tasks, Qiao Jing picked up the glass of wine Qiao Cong had poured for him and drained it in one gulp, “This wine is not bad.”

“It’s from Xiaoliang, of course it’s the best.” Qiao Cong frowned as he looked at Qiao Jing, “From now on, I will live with you in the same room and you’re not allowed to leave my sight.”

“Well… I don’t mind, but with a reward of 100,000 taels of gold, I’m afraid even some old-timers who have remained hidden might be tempted.” Qiao Jing appeared calm, but he knew that the risk was great at this moment and this trouble wouldn’t be easy to resolve. In the letter he sent to Duanmu Chen, he asked for a decision on who would take charge of Xuanbei City if something happened to him and to make it as soon as possible.

Qiao Cong, who used to be one of those hidden old-timers, snorted, “Let them come and give it a try!”

“It shouldn’t happen too soon.” Qiao Jing sighed slightly before suddenly laughing, “It’s not bad. With my grandfather’s protection, I can take advantage of this opportunity to practice and improve my skills. The next time I see Gu Ling, I want to have another fight with him.”

“That’s right. We did the deed, and we’ll bear the consequences. What’s there to be afraid of? Situ Xie is your greatest enemy. Now that he has become the emperor, he thinks he can control everything in the world. What a dream!” Qiao Cong’s eyes were icy cold, “Finish the chicken leg, and then we’ll continue practicing!”

The capital city of Qian Country.

The rumors from the Liang Country had not yet reached the capital city, but the urgent news from Xuanbei City had arrived.

Su Liang and Gu Ling were invited by Chang’an into the palace. When they met Duanmu Chen, his complexion was still acceptable as he shared with them the news he had just received.

“He’s finally not pretending anymore.” Su Liang was a little surprised, but only slightly. Situ Xie would take this step sooner or later because there was only one Dragon Throne, and if he let someone else sit on it, he wouldn’t be able to control the situation. Situ Xie had absolute strength and power in the Liang Country, and even though Situ Han had been the emperor for many years, he was essentially just a puppet.

Situ Xie didn’t want to become the emperor, yet he wouldn’t give up supreme power. This could only show that he was an arrogant and controlling person at heart. He was excessively conceited and had a strong desire for control, thinking that even without sitting on the Dragon Throne, he could still control everything. It was indeed the case once, but many things had gone beyond his expectations in the past two years, and his plans no longer worked.

In a nutshell, Situ Xie was both a master and a supporter before usurping the throne. He wanted power, but didn’t want to be labeled with the stigma of plotting to usurp the throne.

“There is not much essential difference between Situ Xie ascending to the throne and Situ Han being on the throne. Perhaps the Liang royal family will be more tough on their wrist strength in the future.” Duanmu Chen had already regarded Situ Xie and Situ Han as the same entity. It was just that their “uncle and nephew” coexistence and scheming to fight against each other were more in line with the interests of Qian Country. The situation has changed now, but it is not at all frightening to Duanmu Chen.

“However,” Duanmu Chen continued, “the most urgent task is to solve Situ Xie’s bounty order for Qiao Jing.”

Qian Country is now using people, and Qiao Jing is the most outstanding among the generals of Qian Country. If something happens to him, it will be a great loss to Qian Country and will also affect the military. He risked betraying Liang Country and pledged loyalty to Qian Country. If his identity as the chief general of the northern army was taken away by Liang Country, Qian Country would also be embarrassed.

Su Liang’s tone was bleak, “Use the condition of sending Situ Yao back to Liang Country to let Situ Xie cancel the bounty order for Qiao Jing?” Assassinations are different from open rewards. Assassinations can only be done by Situ Xie’s people, but open huge rewards will attract masters from all walks of life, and the latter is more uncontrollable.

Duanmu Chen’s face darkened upon hearing this, “Su Liang, don’t tell me you are serious! Situ Yao is my woman. Isn’t this the same as letting me sell my own woman for profit?”

Su Liang coughed lightly, “Your Majesty, please calm down. I am only presenting a possibility.”

“She is already pregnant.” Duanmu Chen snorted coldly.

Su Liang was surprised, “Then congratulations to Your Majesty and Imperial Concubine Liang.”

“Speak up some serious and feasible methods!” Duanmu Chen didn’t really get angry. At this moment, he even felt that his reaction just now seemed a bit too intense. Would Su Liang and Gu Ling think that he regarded Situ Yao as very important?

“It’s actually simple.” Su Liang said, “For the reward, money matters, just use money to solve it. Since the new emperor of Liang Country has such a determined attitude, we just need to return a big gift. Our Qian Country rewards one hundred thousand taels of gold and one tael for the head of Situ Jing, the eldest grandson of Situ Xie.”

Duanmu Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly, “What is the reason?”

“For the matter of spending money, we are willing to do it without any reason,” Su Liang snorted lightly, “Just tell Situ Xie that Qiao Jing is my Qian Country’s person, and he can’t move as he pleases. If he wants Qiao Jing to die, let his beloved grandson accompany him. If you don’t want Situ Jing’s safety to be threatened, hurry up and withdraw that bounty order!”

Treat others as you would like to be treated. As for Situ Xie, he would say that Qiao Jing is a traitor to Liang Country and let Qian Country return him to Liang Country for disposal. Then he would have to talk about why Qiao Jing grew up in Xuanbei City. The root of the matter was that Situ Xie secretly sent Qiao Jing to Qian Country as a spy. This account can also be calculated.

Duanmu Chen felt that this method was good, “The national treasury is tight, so will you two financiers pay the reward?”

Su Liang smiled and shook his head, “It’s not that we can’t afford it, but I’m afraid it will embarrass the emperor when it spreads.”

Duanmu Chen was just joking, because in all likelihood, there would be no need for real money in the end, and it was just to show a stance.

When Su Liang and Gu Ling left the palace, the bounty order of Qian Country was also officially released: The head of Situ Jing, the Crown Prince of Liang Country, was rewarded with 100,000 taels of gold and one tael.

This extra one tael was very interesting; it was clearly intended for Situ Xie.

But in order to put on appearances, Situ Xie really dared to bet, risking the danger of his grandson. The masters who wanted the bounty didn’t care about the twists and turns in the matter, they only believed that the royal family would not deny the bill for the sake of face, and they might go to complete the bounty task.

At nightfall, Duanmu Chen went to Empress Dowager Xiao Shi’s place, and saw Empress Xing Yuyan and Imperial Concubine Liang Situ Yao there.

Both of them were pregnant, and Xiao Shi naturally hoped that they could get along peacefully, and it was the most important to give birth to their children safely.

Xing Yuyan deliberately showed off her higher status in front of Situ Yao, and Duanmu Chen did not refuse her intimacy, but secretly observed Situ Yao’s expression.

Situ Yao behaved very generously, as gentle as ever, just occasionally narrowing her eyes, revealing some loss.

Duanmu Chen did not even realize it himself, but when he saw Situ Yao seemingly jealous, he was a little happy.

After dinner, Xiao Shi spoke up and asked Duanmu Chen to send Xing Yuyan back first.

Duanmu Chen agreed and stood up, while Xing Yuyan couldn’t hide her smile. However, she heard Duanmu Chen say, “I’ll send the Empress back, then go to Yao’er.”

Situ Yao’s eyes lit up, and Duanmu Chen didn’t care about Xing Yuyan’s suddenly changed expression as he walked out on his own.

Seeing this, Xiao Family frowned. As an onlooker, she recently felt that Duanmu Chen’s attitude towards Situ Yao was truly different, not just a test as he said at first.

On the way, Duanmu Chen didn’t speak to Xing Yuyan, just wondering if he should tell Situ Yao the news he got today. Such a big event couldn’t be concealed.

After sending Xing Yuyan back, Duanmu Chen didn’t even sit down, but turned around and left.

Xing Yuyan was so angry that she cursed Situ Yao for being a seductive vixen, then cried again.

By the time Duanmu Chen came to Situ Yao’s palace, she had already changed her clothes and prepared a late-night snack to wait for him.

After talking for a while, Situ Yao, as always, was good at understanding people’s feelings, “Your Majesty seems to have something on your mind?”

Duanmu Chen sighed, “Indeed there is something, and I think I should tell you.”

Situ Yao nodded, “Please speak, Your Majesty.”

“It’s news that came from the north today.” Duanmu Chen told Situ Yao about the changes in Liang Country’s royal family.

At first, Situ Yao’s expression was shocked, then she showed a sad look, “Emperor Uncle always loved me very much.”

Duanmu Chen looked at Situ Yao’s sad appearance, thinking it seemed a bit fake. Did she really not know that Situ Han was killed by Situ Xie? Was this real innocence, or a disguise?

However, Duanmu Chen didn’t care about this. He liked intelligent people, and Situ Yao’s current performance was normal. She couldn’t possibly be happy to say that her grandfather finally became emperor.

Duanmu Chen held Situ Yao’s hand, “I was shocked when this happened as well. However, there’s one more thing. After your grandfather ascended the throne, he issued a bounty of ten thousand taels of gold to claim Qiao Jing’s head.”

Situ Yao was stunned for a moment, “This… maybe my grandfather had no choice. General Qiao, originally had my grandfather’s trust, but he betrayed Liang Country as a prince. My grandfather had to do this to explain to the common people. I believe my grandfather didn’t intend to offend Qian Country.”

Duanmu Chen’s face became paler, “Then what do you think I should do?”

Situ Yao sighed, “I just think that General Qiao is fickle and unreliable. Your Majesty has given him an important position, so he shouldn’t ruin everything.”

“Because he once ruined your grandfather’s plan, otherwise, you wouldn’t have married over here?” Duanmu Chen’s sudden change of expression made Situ Yao’s heart tremble, her face turning pale in an instant.

“Your Majesty, I truly didn’t mean that. I was raised in Liang Country and just married here not long ago. I can’t forget my family. If I said something wrong, please forgive me.” Situ Yao got up and knelt down, her face pale from fright, but her eyes were filled with pity.

“Qiao Jing was a spy your grandfather had placed in Qian Country. I haven’t settled this score yet, and now he’s offering a reward to kill the chief of my Qian Country’s North Army. You want me to do nothing and let your grandfather kill him?” Duanmu Chen looked at Situ Yao disappointedly, “Actually, there’s a way to resolve the conflict. If you care so much about your family, I can send you back and let your grandfather cancel the bounty. Do you think he’d agree?”

Situ Yao’s face stiffened, “I’m carrying Your Majesty’s child in my belly…”

Duanmu Chen snorted lightly, “So if you weren’t pregnant, you’d really want to go back?”

Situ Yao grabbed Duanmu Chen’s clothes, “I really didn’t mean that, Your Majesty, you misunderstood…”

Duanmu Chen’s face was expressionless, “Actually, what I really wanted to tell you tonight is that I’ve already issued the same bounty during the day, for your elder brother’s head. I’m offering even one more tael of gold than your grandfather.”

Upon hearing this, Situ Yao was first astonished, then immediately bowed and begged Duanmu Chen to revoke the order, “I know my grandfather was wrong first. But he’s my elder brother. If Your Majesty has even a little bit of pity for me, please don’t do that.”

“My pity for you is more than just a little, but it seems that you are not worthy of it.” Duanmu Chen shook off Situ Yao and strode away with a turn.

Chang’an, who was waiting outside, saw Duanmu Chen’s somber face. Not knowing what had happened and not daring to ask, he silently followed behind Duanmu Chen to the Imperial Garden.

There was a pavilion in the Imperial Garden. Whenever Duanmu Chen encountered something troubling since he was young, he liked to sit in a certain spot, allowing himself to calm down.

The night before, when Ji Yueyan stabbed him with a hairpin, Su Liang and Gu Ling came to see Duanmu Chen, who was sitting here, gazing at the moon.

Seeing Duanmu Chen heading to his old spot, Chang’an also stopped at his usual position, where he could see Duanmu Chen but not disturb him.

Duanmu Chen sat down and looked up, only to find that there was no moon in the sky tonight, just a few sparse stars with light much dimmer than usual, reflecting his current mood.

At the moment he was disappointed in Situ Yao, Duanmu Chen realized that he seemed to have genuinely fallen for this woman. Because Situ Yao matched his preferences, being with her made him feel comfortable and relaxed.

But now, Duanmu Chen had sobered up. He had always wanted to test Situ Yao, and today’s events finally gave him the answer.

Ultimately, what disappointed Duanmu Chen was not the fact that Situ Yao cared about her family. After all, Duanmu Chen wouldn’t like a cold-blooded and ruthless woman either.

The crux of the matter was that Duanmu Chen found Situ Yao to be foolish.

Born in the Royal Family, Situ Yao should have known that feelings were a luxury. When she was sent to Qian Country by her grandfather as a bargaining chip for Situ Jing, when Situ Jing expressed his concern for her but allowed her to marry into Qian Country’s Imperial Harem, she should have understood that her future security would depend on Duanmu Chen, not her family members who didn’t genuinely care for her.

She used to be a Princess, and now Situ Yao’s status in Liang Country was that of a true Princess. Despite carrying Duanmu Chen’s child, she still foolishly defended the Liang Royal Family in front of him. She hadn’t figured out where her true home was for the rest of her life, which was simply laughable.

Situ Yao excelled in music, chess, literature, and painting, as well as understanding people’s feelings. However, she was clearly Situ Xie’s obedient granddaughter and had already shown her intention to use her emotions to influence Duanmu Chen’s decisions and help Situ Xie. Duanmu Chen had probably given Situ Yao the illusion that she was the most special one in the Imperial Harem.

Actually, it could have been more than just an illusion, as long as she had chosen the correct position.

Unfortunately, Duanmu Chen was slightly smitten, and Situ Yao was also led astray.

Duanmu Chen’s requirements for a woman were not that high, but he thought that Situ Yao was intelligent. He liked smart people.

From this point of view, Ji Yueyan was much smarter than Situ Yao. At least she had seen through the nature of the Royal Family, and after leaving them, she no longer had any attachment. Her previous plan was not bad, but it was thwarted by Su Liang. However, she had a goal, the courage to act even if it was dangerous, and was willing to fight for her love.

All Duanmu Chen wanted from Situ Yao was for her to be clear-headed, to plan for herself and not to think about those unworthy people.

From this perspective, Xing Yuyan was also foolish, but at least she was simple-minded, and Duanmu Chen could easily see through her thoughts.

Not to mention Su Liang, but there was another very smart woman in Duanmu Chen’s life, and that was his mother, Empress Dowager Xiao. She leveraged her family’s power while avoiding being controlled by them, always maintaining a clear-headed perspective. She became the most trustworthy concubine beside Duanmu Yi, protected her son, and now she was still helping Duanmu Chen manage the Imperial Harem and prevent conflicts among the concubines.

“Chang’an.” Duanmu Chen suddenly spoke up.

Chang’an immediately ran over, “What is your command, Your Majesty?”

“I want to eat Sauce Meat Buns made by Su Liang,” Duanmu Chen answered.

Chang’an hesitated for a moment before weakly saying, “It might be too late now. Madam Gu must be in bed early due to her pregnancy. Besides, it is Marquis Gu who is cooking now.”

Duanmu Chen nodded, “That’s fine too.”

Chang’an thought that if he dared to disturb Gu Ling to steam buns at this time of the night, there was a high chance of getting hit, and he felt he would deserve it…

“This subordinate is going to…” Chang’an said reluctantly.

However, Duanmu Chen stood up, walked over, and said, “Why are you going at such a late hour? I didn’t say I wanted to eat it right now. Tomorrow, I plan to visit Su Mansion in disguise to see my godson.” He wanted to talk to Su Liang about some of his troubles, after all, he was his best friend.