Chapter 1593: Do You Have a Death Wish?

"Why did you dislike Xu Tianmu so much before?" asked Fang Chen.

Little Yu thought for a moment, then answered, "I remember two years ago when my eldest brother-in-law and the others came back to visit, Xu Tianmu came along too. At that time, my eldest sister asked me if I wanted to be Xu Tianmu's wife in the future and marry into the Xu Family. I wasn't willing. Ever since then, I haven't been able to stand the sight of him.

"If I had to say what he actually did to make me hate him... it's probably that the guy is a loafer all day long and speaks very rudely. He kept saying Peach Blossom Village was a dump and telling my mother to move away. I feel like, deep down, he looks down on our family."

"That eldest brother-in-law of yours has a martial arts cultivation that isn't weak. A small place like this couldn't produce such a martial artist, which means he has a background behind him," said Fang Chen, smiling. "Xu Tianmu likely knew something, so he wanted your mother to move from Peach Blossom Village. It's possible that before long, this place will be hit by war."

Little Yu was startled. "Hit by war!?"

Although she wasn't very old, she had spent years working at the tofu shop. Nobles occasionally visited Peach Blossom Village to admire the flowers, and she had occasionally heard about the situation in the Dongsheng Empire. Currently, Dongsheng was fragmented, with regional warlords governing autonomously. All dreamt of marching into the capital and ascending the throne as Emperor. Consequently, at many strategic strongholds, wars broke out from time to time.

Regardless of which side lost, some areas would suffer the ravages of soldiers. Stories of slaughtered cities and villages were countless. Just thinking about such a tragic scene made Little Yu feel afraid.

"Mr. Fang, could it be that Xu Tianmu was trying to warn us at the dinner table just now? But... my eldest brother-in-law wouldn't let him speak?" mused Little Yu, finding it hard to believe.

"You're still quick to catch on." Fang Chen chuckled. "While you practice martial arts, I will teach you some knowledge in other areas. Having martial arts doesn't necessarily mean you can gain a foothold in the world, but if you have a brain, you can at least avoid standing beneath a crumbling wall."

Little Yu's eyes were full of worry. "But Mr. Fang, if Peach Blossom Village really is going to face war, should we tell them now and move away?"

"Xu Tianhuan didn't let Xu Tianmu reveal the news, which means they planned to hide it for now. If the rest of the village found out and if rumors started spreading, what do you think Xu Tianhuan would do?" asked Fang Chen in return.

"He would silence them?"

Little Yu was slightly startled. The image of that warm, handsome face surfaced in her mind. She found it hard to believe that her eldest brother-in-law, who had such an excellent temperament, would do such a thing.

Fang Chen looked towards the north of Peach Blossom Village and said softly, "In that direction, tens of thousands of elite troops have already gathered. As for when they will advance, I imagine they are waiting for an opportunity. During this upcoming period, just stay by my side to practice martial arts and cultivate your mind. As for other matters, do not worry about them."

"Do not worry..."

Little Yu suddenly realised what he meant and said in surprise, "Mr. Fang, can you keep Peach Blossom Village safe from the war?"

Fang Chen did not answer, but simply gave a slight nod.

Though Little Yu understood very little, seeing Mr. Fang nod filled her heart with a sense of security and unconditional trust. She didn't notice at all that when facing Fang Chen, she was being swayed by a very special kind of emotion.

***

Late night. Li Meiyan and the others were sound asleep.

Xu Tianhuan was not staying at Li Meiyan's residence. Instead, he had taken up lodgings at the village inn.

Moonlight flooded the courtyard. Xu Tianmu had long since woken up and was currently kneeling in the middle of the yard, his head bowed in silence.

As the sound of light footsteps approached, a flicker of self-mockery flashed in Xu Tianmu's eyes. "Brother, how long must I kneel? Until dawn tomorrow?"

Xu Tianhuan walked slowly towards Xu Tianmu and looked down at him. "Tianmu, you tried to warn them repeatedly. Do you not realise that if this news leaks prematurely, it will ruin His Highness's great plans?"

Xu Tianmu let out a soft, mocking laugh. "'His Highness...' is that the title the Emperor bestowed upon him?"

A sharp glint flashed in Xu Tianhuan's eyes. He cupped his hands towards the north direction and said, "The Dongsheng Empire is filled with parasites and has long been beyond saving. Otherwise, it would not have fallen into this state of fragmentation and warlord rule. The Hejian King has shown extraordinary wisdom since childhood. He treats the people under his command extremely well and is kind-hearted. Only if he ascends the throne as Emperor can the Dongsheng Empire be saved."

"The emperor you speak of is nothing but a fool. If not for that, how could he allow war to break out everywhere? In the current situation, only the Hejian King has the ability to turn the tide and end this era of chaos."

"But I heard that years ago, the Hejian King's greatest Grandmaster, Qi Beixiang, was decapitated by the current Emperor at Renzu Mountain. Not only that, but three other Grandmasters, the powerhouses of various rebel kings, also died there," said Xu Tianmu softly. "Brother, do you truly believe the Hejian King can hold the sun and moon and pluck the stars? Can he gain the recognition of Renzu Mountain and become the Emperor of Dongsheng?"

"You are willing to believe rumors with no evidence, yet you refuse to believe the facts standing right before you," said Xu Tianhuan coldly. "If you weren't my biological brother, I would make sure you never speak again."

"Brother, have you ever thought about it? If the Hejian King fights his way in, by then..." sneered Xu Tianmu. "Will there be a single inch of unbroken land left within sight?"

"Rest assured, at least the county seat will not descend into chaos. I have confidence in that. Just wait. The day of the Poetry Festival is when the Hejian King passes the gate," Xu Tianhuan said flatly. "It won't be much longer. I hope you have some patience. During this time, do not cause any more trouble for me."

"And what about Peach Blossom Village?" Xu Tianmu stood up. "Can you protect the villagers here in Peach Blossom Village? I've heard that the soldiers under the Hejian King are brutal. Wherever they go, men are either sent to the army or forced to become laborers. As for the women and children, whether they live or die is left to fate."

"Those who achieve great things do not fret over trifles. Once the world is settled, this era will no longer be in chaos."

Having said his piece, Xu Tianhuan ignored Xu Tianmu and entered his room.

In the desolate courtyard, Xu Tianmu stood alone in the moonlight. At this moment, the habitual flippancy was gone from his face and was replaced by a sense of weary disillusionment.

At that moment, Fang Chen stepped out from the shadows and stood before Xu Tianmu. He calmly asked, "Who are the important figures coming here on the day of the Poetry Festival?"

Xu Tianmu was shocked. He quickly regained his senses and exclaimed, "Do you have a death wish?!"

Did he hear our conversation?

In an instant, Xu Tianmu roared toward Xu Tianhuan's room, "Brother!"

While he did not agree with Xu Tianhuan's methods, he was even less willing to see the Xu Family exterminated.

However, Xu Tianmu realised there was no movement from the room. Xu Tianhuan clearly hadn't extinguished his lamp yet and was still walking around inside.

𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Why couldn't he hear his voice?