As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 248 Dancing on the tip of the knife
"What? The Alliance Leader was drunk, and I kindly took care of him for the night!"

"And now the alliance leader is repaying kindness with enmity?!"

A farce is still a farce. On the way out of the city, Mingchen revealed the truth himself, turned around, and looked at the girl with a smile.

"I'm not drunk!"

"Don't talk nonsense!"

This person's mocking gaze seemed to see right through their body and into their heart.

Hong Ling Shuang paused for a moment, then said, "I have never been drunk!"

Her expression remained unchanged, though she looked surprised, as if she were talking about something unrelated to her, revealing no clue whatsoever.

What a fine performance by the leader of the alliance!
very good!

After she got back, she tried drinking some alcohol.

He falls down after just one glass.

Damn it, it really wasn't Mingchen's problem.

She really does have a low alcohol tolerance.

This is a sad question.

She didn't want to relive that embarrassing memory anymore, so she quickly covered her mouth and asked, "How did you recognize me?"

This guy always recognizes her at a glance.

Is her technique really that rudimentary?

Mingchen grinned and said to her, "That old Taoist priest said that I'm destined to meet that girl, and no matter how she changes, I'll always recognize her."

You'd be a fool to believe you!

Hong Ling Shuang rolled her eyes at him.

He then looked to the other side: "Let me guess, you're Shy Butterfly!"

She knew everything about Mingchen's family background. She knew that there were two children in Mingchen's household, one named Xiudie and the other named Yunyao.

Because she loved Mingchen, she naturally became close to the child as well.

Children have a very low profile, and when Mingchen was with her, few people greeted her.

Seeing that the older sister her brother liked greeted her, she subconsciously glanced at Mingchen, then nodded to Hong Ling Shuang: "Mm."

Hong Ling Shuang didn't mind her awkwardness. She casually produced a ceramic doll and handed it to the child: "Nice to meet you, this is a gift."

The child glanced at Mingchen again before taking the gift, and said softly, "Thank you, sister."

"Hahaha~"

Upon their first meeting, Hong Ling Shuang generously patted the child's head and laughed, "You're welcome! You're much cuter than your brother!"

As we gradually passed through the chaotic streets, the number of pedestrians around us gradually increased.

The three people—a man, a woman, and a child—were walking a small white dog; they looked like a family.

However, the girl's clothes and appearance were somewhat out of place; she seemed more like a female servant than a hostess.

Feeling the gazes around her, Hong Ling Shuang said to Ming Chen, "I seem more like a servant in your household."

"Haha~ Go, buy me some osmanthus cake to eat!"

Upon hearing this, Mingchen simply laughed heartily, offering no words of comfort, but instead seized the opportunity to instruct Hong Ling Shuang.

"you!"

What audacity!
On her turf, he directed her, the supreme leader.

Hong Ling Shuang's eyes darted around, but she smiled charmingly and agreed, bowing to Ming Chen: "Yes~ This servant will obey Your Majesty's orders~"

Without waiting for a reply, he ran to a shop not far away.

A gentle breeze blew by, and a small amount of the materials sold in another shop were missing.

He turned his back to block Mingchen's view and said to the vendor, "Give me a serving of osmanthus cake."

"Add all of this in!"

She placed some silver coins and a small amount of goods in front of the dazed vendor.

"This……"

The vendor hesitated, looking at the strangely behaving girl in front of him.

The girl had obviously given her too much money.

Despite his ordinary attire, he inexplicably exuded an indescribable aura that rendered him speechless.

Do as instructed!!!

Hong Ling Shuang doesn't have that much patience in front of others.

He simply gave the order in a cold voice.

The words startled the vendor so much that he trembled and did as he was told.

"Come here, my lord!"

"Try it!"

Hong Ling Shuang is a perfect singer; she can control her voice to produce any sound.

Naturally, they also spoke sweet and seductive words.

Her behavior was so blatant that even a fool could tell she had ulterior motives.

"Haha~ You've put in a lot of effort, young lady. I'm having a lot of trouble on the street right now, so you'll have to try this place properly in the future~"

"Alright~ My lord, you must eat it~ If you don't, you'll be betraying my good intentions and will surely be punished by heaven!"

Mingchen: ...

The two bickered and argued all the way, which was quite amusing.

After Hong Ling Shuang became the leader of the alliance, she was mostly met with awe and respect. She was in a place where power struggles were taking place, and she was constantly scheming and fighting with others.

No one else could give her that feeling again.

But time always passes, and before long they reached the edge of the city, where the White Spirit City Gate could be seen in the distance.

Hong Ling Shuang's eyes flickered, and no one could see into her thoughts. She simply asked softly, "Ming Chen, will you return from the north?"

She knew that Mingchen was leaving the city to go north to Beilie to take a look.

After visiting Beilie, we eventually have to go back.

Should I see her again when I get back?

Yes, you should!
Making up a lie about that old Taoist priest and refusing to even meet him, isn't that a bit impolite?
"Hey~"

Mingchen chuckled and asked her instead, "What? Does the Alliance Leader want me to come back?"

"Correct!"

"I think!"

Hong Ling Shuang showed no embarrassment whatsoever, and simply said to Ming Chen as if it were the most natural thing in the world: "Come back and see me one more time!"

"The Marquis of Jing'an from Qian Yuan has come to my Jinglan, but he hasn't made a formal appearance in my court. Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

She always finds a reason.

"it is good!"

"Since the Alliance Leader has put it this way, it would be impolite for Chen not to come!"

Mingchen cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to her, his frivolousness somewhat toned down: "Alliance Leader, that's enough for now!"

Hong Ling Shuang nodded: "Mm."

She only invited Mingchen three times, and after failing each time, she stopped pressuring him.

She didn't want to erase this person from her memory either.

Knowing that such a person exists in this world, being able to meet her, and laughing with her is interesting enough.

A nation is a nation, and an individual is an individual.

She is not Xiao Xinyue. The Jinglan Alliance belongs to her, not the other way around.

She will not lose herself because of the Jinglan Alliance.

Mingchen turned to leave, but then seemed to remember something and turned back to Hong Ling Shuang, saying, "Alliance Leader, I just want to remind you of something, and I hope you won't think I'm being nosy."

"Oh?"

Mingchen's words were pointed: "Those who drown are always good swimmers. I know you are extremely intelligent, but don't always dance on the edge of a knife. Life is unpredictable, and no one can be 100% certain. If you are not careful, you will be doomed!"

This girl is an extreme risk-taker.

It's not as simple as she makes it out to be.

Beneath the surface of Bailing City, undercurrents are surging, and this person is largely behind it all.

But... if you walk by the river often enough, you're bound to get your shoes wet.

Mingchen takes risky moves because there are no safe options, but this girl is deliberately dancing on the edge of a knife.

She likes to do it this way.

They like to make bold decisions and enjoy taking risks.

The higher the risk, the higher the reward.

Even when there are times when things could be peaceful, he just won't.

Just like the appearance of this White Spirit City, White Spirit City is a microcosm of her personality.

"Ok?"

Hong Ling Shuang was taken aback, her smile faded slightly, and she gave Ming Chen a deep look, her eyes darting around.

This seemed to be the first time he had spoken to Mingchen so seriously since they met.

She paused, then cupped her hands towards Mingchen and said, "Mingchen, thank you for your advice, I understand."

It's actually quite difficult to persuade someone.

Mingchen smiled at her and said, "Take care."

Hong Ling Shuang couldn't help but smile brightly: "Take care too!"

She had always disdained etiquette and behaved in a crude and barbaric manner, but now she was unusually proper.

The two spent very little time together, meeting only four times.

However, it seems that he is more deeply ingrained and leaves a more profound impression than others he has known for more than ten years.

Meeting was easy and joyful, and parting was equally graceful and decisive.

Mingchen waved his hand and simply turned and left.

Hong Ling Shuang stood still, quietly watching Ming Chen leave.

I saw him leave the city gate, I saw him walk onto the main road, farther and farther away... until he became indistinct.

After a long while, a hooded figure slowly walked over and appeared behind Hong Ling Shuang, saying in a low, hoarse voice, "My lord, it's all cleaned up."

Hong Ling Shuang seemed not to have heard him speak, and simply watched Ming Chen leave in silence.

Only after they were out of sight did he turn his gaze to his side: "Is it cleaned up?"

The other party replied, "Yes! Tian Fen's faction has been dealt with."

Hong Ling Shuang lowered her eyes and nodded, her eyes no longer showing the peace she had when she was with Ming Chen, but only cold indifference: "Killing Gao Panhai caused a lot of trouble, and many people in the gang died. Let's keep quiet for a while. During this time, I don't want to hear anything about the Zhu You Gang anymore."

The man swayed slightly, but didn't rush to answer her.

After pondering for a moment, he raised his head again, looking intently at Hong Ling Shuang: "My lord, I have found out!"

"That man is indeed Mingchen, the Marquis of Jing'an of the Qian Yuan Dynasty!"

"how?"

“This person isn’t staying peacefully in Qian Yuan; he’s appeared here without a sound.” “Judging from his route, he’s most likely heading to Bei Lie. I can send someone by water to assassinate him in the no-man’s-land on the border between Bei Lie and our territory. I guarantee not a word will get out.”

"In this way, we can eliminate a major threat and deepen the hatred between Qian Yuan and Bei Lie, which may allow us to make more plans and arrangements in the future."

"Even if it's found out that we were the ones who did the killings, it's just a problem with the Zhuyou Gang, and it won't be blamed on the Alliance."

His voice was cold, and his words carried a hint of murderous intent.

"Kill him?"

Hong Ling Shuang raised an eyebrow, turned to look at him, her gaze filled with a hint of inquiry, as if she could see through the hood and into the shadows where he was hiding.

The person watching couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Time passed by minute by minute.

The man was getting impatient waiting, so Hong Ling Shuang asked again, "Do you think he's so easy to kill?"

"Don't worry, sir, I know he has a divine bird!"

"I'm ready! No matter how it flies, it won't get out!"

The man thought Hong Ling Shuang was testing him, and his eyes flashed with a cold light as he said confidently, "As long as you nod, I can make sure this Marquis dies where he deserves to die."

He smiled unconsciously, as if he was absolutely certain of success and had already foreseen the scene of making a great contribution in the future.

However, the next moment, a chilling voice entered his ears: "Zhu You, you've toyed with everyone in the Jinglan Alliance. Now that you're in such a high position, everyone respects you, and all the officials fear you. Do you think everyone in the world is a fool?"

Zhu You trembled instantly.

The leader of a terrorist organization actually knelt down on the ground, trembling with fear, and said, "I dare not!"

"My lord, I dare not!"

This attracted curious glances from passersby.

Hong Ling Shuang pointed to herself, her eyes filled with arrogance: "You should remember, I'm the one who toyed with the Jing Lan Alliance!"

"It's not you!"

"Full of loopholes!"

At this moment, although Hong Ling Shuang was dressed in coarse cloth and had an ordinary face, she was sharp and imposing, making people afraid to look directly at her.

The cold words felt like stepping into an ice cave.

"You don't need to do anything extra, nor do you need to have any extra thoughts."

Zhu You lay prostrate on the ground, bowing his head slightly: "I know I was wrong, I beg your forgiveness, sir."

Hong Ling Shuang glanced at him and said indifferently, "Go away, don't make a fool of yourself here!"

"Yes!"

Zhu You stood up, bowed to her again and again, then quickly turned and ran away.

Hong Ling Shuang watched quietly until the other person's figure disappeared around the street corner.

She looked up at the sky. It had just rained, and the sky was exceptionally clear, with clouds drifting freely.

No one knows what this capricious and dangerous monarch is thinking, and no one can penetrate her inner world.

She took out the jade flute that Mingchen had given her earlier, raised it above her head, and held it up to the sun.

The priceless jade flute is crystal clear, shimmering in the sunlight, and looks exquisite and beautiful.

“It’s so beautiful~”

"That greedy Mingchen... he can actually be so generous as to give away such a gift!"

Unconsciously, she lightly touched the corner of her lips with her jade flute and murmured softly, "Dancing on the tip of a knife?"

"Mingchen... don't underestimate me!"

"What kind of knife tip is this?"

The gloves were too dirty, and they even started having their own ideas.

It's about time... it should be thrown into the sea.

……

Once outside the city, the roads, fresh after the rain, exuded a refreshing atmosphere, and massive white wolves galloped freely along the road.

Fangs and claws, white fur swaying in the wind.

Majestic and imposing, exceptionally handsome.

However, just then, a scolding voice came from its back: "White Wolf, tuck in your fur! In this sweltering heat, are you trying to kill me with heat?"

Mingchen held the child and sat on the white wolf's back, riding northward with it.

"Young master, I had no choice!"

The fur grows on its back!

You can't just shave it off, can you?!

When the magnificent white wolf opened its mouth, it sounded like a wronged child, instantly dispelling all its domineering aura.

In winter, I praised someone as a little heater, and in summer, I got a scolding for it.

The white wolf felt very wronged.

"That's your problem."

White Wolf:......

Life is tough, and getting a good meal is even tougher.

"I bought a chicken in Bailing City today. Let's make beggar's chicken for lunch."

"Beggar's Chicken?!"

The white wolf's eyes lit up immediately.

The things the young master makes are all of high quality!
He was acutely aware of this.

"If you find it too hot, young master, you can shave all my fur off!"

A bald patch on your body is nothing compared to a good meal.

The white wolf stuck out its tongue, looking like a fawning lapdog.

Mingchen: ...

He wasn't worried about the demons and ghosts under his command, but he was genuinely worried that the guy beneath him would be tricked into eating and drinking well.

Having left White Spirit City, I found that what I saw and heard here was quite unusual.

The leader of the alliance, in particular, was very impressive.

The little bird seemed quite interested in her and kept asking Mingchen, "Young Master, what advice did you give the Alliance Leader at the end?"

This guy has never been interested in these convoluted schemes and national affairs, but this time he actually asked about them.

Mingchen shook his head, gently stroking the child's head in his arms, and said to her, "Do you remember the last question she asked me outside the casino?"

The little bird stretched out its wings, covered its head, and begged Mingchen for mercy: "The Zhuyou Gang, the rebellion, those things... never mind, never mind, young master, please don't talk about it!"

The silly little bird isn't actually silly.

But she didn't want to focus on those things.

All she needs to do is focus on fighting and dipping beans.

"Brother, can you tell me about it?"

But at that moment, the child in her arms suddenly spoke.

She held the ceramic doll that Hong Ling Shuang had given her in her arms, her eyes, hazy with gray, reflected Ming Chen's face. She looked up at Ming Chen and asked.

"Oh?"

Mingchen was taken aback, not expecting the child to care about this.

He thought for a moment, then patted the child's head and asked, "Does Xiu Die know who that older sister is?"

The child is very young, but unlike most precious parents, Mingchen does not avoid letting her mature too early or expose her to things that she should not be exposed to during her innocent childhood.

The world is not a beautiful place, nor is it a fairy tale or a candy store. Shy Butterfly's fantasies have long been shattered, and she cannot hold onto the happiness she could not have.

If the child wants to know, then he will tell him.

The clever child nodded gently: "I know."

Mingchen smiled and asked again, "Does Xiudie know about the situation in Bailing City, and does she know about the Zhuyou Gang?"

"I know, but not all of it."

"Um……"

Mingchen nodded and gently stroked the child's head.

The girl is usually quiet and seems a bit dull and doesn't talk much, making her easy to overlook. However, she has a keen eye for observation and is very intelligent.

They just don't like to talk about it.

The child's hair had grown quite long, so Mingchen grabbed a few strands and skillfully braided it for her.

"That day you and Sister Long Lian stayed in the room. You didn't know, but I met that Alliance Leader sister a second time..."

Mingchen briefly told the child about the issues he discussed with Hong Ling Shuang during their second meeting when she wasn't around.

The Zhu You Gang carried out a terrorist attack, killing Alliance officials.

The Zhu You Gang is a group of rebels whose mission is to kill the alliance leader and drive out the Jing Lan Alliance.

Hong Ling Shuang asked him how to deal with these people.

Mingchen didn't say much, but simply asked the child, "If it were you, what would you do?"

The child thought for a moment and then asked, "Can't you kill them, sister?"

Mingchen nodded: "Okay!"

If the ailing crown prince of that time had been mired in the mire, bound by chains, it would have been quite difficult for him to bypass the layers of officials and deal with these assembled terrorist gangs.

But Hong Ling Shuang is different.

This is the important question.

Hong Ling Shuang is an army brought from overseas; she possesses the power to destroy everything.

She was highly respected and held great power, without any constraints.

If she wanted to, she could uproot the entire Zhu You Gang at a certain cost.

Rebels will be punished along with their families, and they will be dealt with severely. Everything can be wiped out quickly.

However, the authorities did not know whether Hong Ling Shuang had this ability.

They saw the leader's fury, they saw the leader issue a city-wide warrant for his arrest and severe punishment... they thought that was the limit.

It's normal that the Zhu You Gang's strength has been deliberately amplified, making it impossible to eradicate them in a short time.

"It has the power to destroy, but it does not destroy."

"This shows that their existence is justified, and my sister wants to keep them."

Mingchen answered the most important question, and the remaining layers of mystery were naturally resolved.

The child looked at Mingchen with empty eyes and spoke in a flat voice, saying something that even 99% of the big shots in the Jinglan Alliance had not figured out: "Or rather, my sister is unwilling to bear the price of destroying them."

Mingchen nudged the child's head, laughing incessantly, "Yes~ my Xiudie'er is so clever."

He didn't care at all that the child was cunning; on the contrary, he was very happy that she was so intelligent: "Then tell me, is the older sister the former or the latter?"

"Brother just gave sister a hint, so it's obvious that sister is the latter!"

"Or rather... the Zhuyou Gang was created by my sister herself!"

Kids are good at deducing the answer from the question.

(End of this chapter)