Tiger Guards

Chapter 594: Change of Shape
At midnight, Consort Zhao arrived at the main hall of the palace carrying a white gauze lantern.

The young tiger guards on duty at the steps and corridors had all been removed, and the night was pitch black with no other lights, only the howling night wind.

She carried a lantern and slowly walked to the palace gate, where she heard Grand Marshal Zhao and the Empress chatting happily. After listening for a while, she hesitated and then carefully and slowly retreated.

Inside the hall, Fu Shou's spiritual energy surged once more, and all sorts of beautiful thoughts arose in his mind. He had countless words he wanted to express, but they stuck in his throat, and he didn't know how to utter them.

Their inspirations intersected and collided, and Zhao Ji was no exception, only regretting that he had been too cautious last year.

Between the two candlesticks, Zhao Ji looked at his palms, where three skill icons kept changing and taking turns appearing.

Besides overcoming obstacles and cultivating inner strength, his third skill is 'Shadow Shift'.

This is a technique for using explosive energy. Whenever Zhao Ji unleashes his energy, his body will adapt and learn the technique based on his needs.

After Fu Shou fell into a deep sleep, Zhao Ji dressed himself in an orderly manner.

After putting on his leather boots, he couldn't wait to place his hand on the hilt of his sword at his left waist and look at the candlestick five steps away.

With a thought, he activated 'Shadow Shift', and a sudden gust of wind and strange noises arose in the hall. Zhao Ji was already standing in front of the candlestick with his right hand holding a sword, slowly pushing the sword into its sheath.

Two candles, each as thick as a forearm, were still burning on the candlestick a step in front of him, their flames the same size as before, though they were trembling slightly.

This move reminded him of a familiar skill: Alpha Strike.

After sheathing his sword, Zhao Ji felt his legs swell, as if the layers of muscles were about to burst open.

Although it didn't hurt much, the tingling, itchy, and numb sensation made him very uncomfortable.

Even the right arm, which was used to draw and swing the sword, experienced similar pain; other parts of the body also felt slight pain.

He only realized his heart was beating when he felt waves of pain; each beat brought a wave of discomfort.

Despite feeling uncomfortable, Zhao Ji went to his table and began eating the cold dishes. After finishing his meal, he immediately sat cross-legged on the floor to concentrate his mind and nourish his energy, thus accelerating his recovery.

As he quietly recuperated, the candle flames on the candlestick he had slashed with his sword began to flicker abnormally.

The candle body had been smoothly severed by a sword, and molten wax was seeping out from the cut.

Before long, the candles went out one after the other.

When he faintly heard the rooster crowing, Zhao Ji felt an empty stomach and got up. He still felt uncomfortable in his legs, but it no longer affected his ability to walk.

Upon returning to the side hall, Zhao Ji saw that Fu Shou was still lying on her side. He glanced at her a few more times before turning around and leaving through the side door.

Under the sparse light of the night, Zhao Ji walked leisurely, his hand on his sword.

There was no one along the way until he arrived at the manor of Consort Zhao.

Gao Yanglong was pacing back and forth when he saw Zhao Ji return. He quickly stepped forward and asked, "My lord?"

“I have explained the crisis facing the nation to the Empress, and she is also very understanding and willing to take on the important responsibility of overseeing the country.”

Zhao Ji gave a brief account, and the several veteran Tiger Warriors who had come up with Gao Yanglong were all greatly shocked to see that Zhao Ji was not walking very smoothly.

Regardless of whether they are new or old Tiger Warriors, they feel no remorse for what has happened.

Who made the emperor delay bestowing rewards?

This is just the mild case; if they were to capture the emperor, who knows what kind of trouble they would cause him.

What is happening now is actually a good thing for Tiger Warriors and other meritorious officers and soldiers.

A strong political alliance has been formed, and if they fail, the fate awaiting Empress Fu will be anything but pleasant.

Empress He's inexplicable disappearance became the only fate that Empress Fu could face after her defeat.

Seeing the change in their expressions, Zhao Ji didn't bother to say much more: "Prepare the meal."

Gao Yanglong immediately asked, "How much do you want to eat?"

"Serve it the amount of two lamb legs."

Zhao Ji gave a brief instruction and quickly entered the manor gate. When he went out, the meals were always the same.

During the journey, they ate wheat biscuits and drank vegetable soup, while when camping, they mainly ate pilaf from a large pot.

The food preparation was never done by manpower along the route; the guards took turns cooking.

While Zhao Ji was staying at the imperial palace for several days, discussing matters of state with the empress, his messenger arrived in Luodu.

Lu Bu had only been in Luodu for a few days and had barely settled in.

Before autumn arrived, Luoyang experienced frequent rainfall. While Lü Bu was playing chess with Attendant Wang Kai in the pavilion, his Chief Clerk Yang Jun brought a letter from Zhao Ji. Other Attendants Tai Chong and Xu Si were also present, but Attendant Liu Song, fearing Lü Bu's secret execution, fled in advance, heading north through Henan.

Lu Bu frowned as he looked at Zhao Ji's handwritten letter: "The Grand Marshal has returned to Jinyang and is aware of the misunderstanding caused by the transfer of Gan Ning and other generals. He is worried that the Emperor may fall into the hands of treacherous officials without loyal ministers to protect him. You are all important ministers of the state, so please take a look."

He handed over Zhao Ji's handwritten letter to Zhao Rui, the Director of the Imperial Secretariat.

Zhao Rui was speechless for a moment after reading it. He did not want to fight with Liu Bei. If a war broke out, Zhao Fan, the Chancellor of Langya, would definitely be expelled or killed as a sacrifice to the flag.

Zhao Rui remained silent and handed the letter to the senior courtier Tai Chong. After reading it, Tai Chong frowned: "This is bad. The Grand Marshal has foresight that is hard for ordinary people to match. Now that the General has entered Luozhong, the safety of the Emperor is in the hands of Liu Chariot Cavalry and Dong Flying Cavalry. If either of them harbors evil intentions, the outcome will be unpredictable."

The letter was then passed to Xu Si, who read it carefully and said in a calm tone: "Please tell Governor Zhang of Yanzhou that he must be wary of the treacherous minister's schemes."

"Ji Cai, immediately write a letter and send it by fast horse to Chenliu, so that Zhi Shu can be on guard."

"Here."

As soon as Lü Bu gave the order, Yang Jun immediately withdrew.

Including Lü Bu, the heads of the three provinces are now gathered together, which can barely represent the imperial court.

Just as they were about to discuss other matters, Yuan Huan, an aide to General Lü Bu, strode over, looked around at Lü Bu, and Lü Bu frowned: "Yaoqing, what is the matter?"

"Gao Chong, an official under the Commandant of the Capital Region, requests an audience."

As Yuan Huan spoke, he took out Gao Chong's visiting card and presented it with both hands.

Lu Bu took a deep breath, turned his head and stared at the people who had been invited. Apart from General Wei Yue, all the other important officials of Luozhong region were here, and even the new Luoyang Magistrate Man Chong was also present, but he was standing on the outermost edge.

Under Lü Bu's gaze, Bi Chen, the Governor of Henan, feigned composure and avoided meeting Lü Bu's eyes.

Few others dared to meet Lu Bu's gaze, and after a quick glance around, Lu Bu couldn't actually discern anything.

Suppressing his displeasure, Lü Bu waved his hand and said, "Please come in."

Yuan Huan hesitated for a moment, then continued, "My lord, Gao Chong has led over a hundred followers to capture the rebellious minister."

"Let him bring a few men to see me. I want to see who this traitor is."

"Here."

Yuan Huan bowed deeply with his hands clasped, took a few steps back, turned around, straightened his back, and strode away quickly.

It was quiet all around; the only sound they could hear was the breathing of the person next to them.

Almost immediately, Yuan Huan led Gao Chong over, followed by five armed followers.

Upon seeing Lü Bu, Gao Chong bowed deeply and said, "Gao Chong, the Chief Clerk, greets the General."

Lü Bu scrutinized Gao Chong: "You want to arrest a traitor, do you have any evidence?"

"Reporting to the General, according to the law, our troops acted swiftly upon hearing the news, without needing any evidence."

Gao Chong looked up as he spoke: "I humbly request the General to grant me three days. If I achieve nothing, I am willing to accept punishment."

"Rewarding or punishing you is Yuanming Gong's business, not my responsibility."

Lu Bu smiled and said, "I have only one request: no torture."

Gao Chong hesitated, but still cupped his hands and said, "Understood."

Lu Bu then looked at Man Chong, who was standing not far from Gao Chong: "Man Boning, the magistrate of Luoyang, is well-versed in criminal law and can serve as a judge. If you agree, all the high-ranking officials here can be arrested and questioned."

"Here."

Gao Chong bowed again, straightened up, and pointed at Bi Chen, the Prefect of Henan: "Guards, arrest this thief."

"General, I have been wronged!"

Bi Chen immediately jumped up, dodging as he pointed at the armed men behind Gao Chong who were about to step forward: "This is a conspiracy by the Zhao family, trying to cut off the general's wings and arms!"

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu stared at Gao Chong and said, "If there is no result, I will take your head and then apologize to Lord Yuanming."

"General, the outcome will be clear in three days."

Gao Chong answered firmly, and with a wave of his hand, two of his disciples immediately stepped forward, while Bi Chen actually drew his sword to fight back.

After exchanging only a few blows, Bi Chen was subdued, yet he still cried out to Lü Bu, "General, save me! This is a conspiracy by the Zhao family!"

Lu Bu remained silent, instead taking a sip of the warm, salty milk tea. The others present suddenly felt a chill run down their spines, watching quietly as Gao Chong and his group took Bi Chen away.

(End of this chapter)