Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 619 The Shared Dream of Three

In the small courtyard.

The thick, overwhelming stench of blood rose into the sky, pressing heavily on every inch of air, silencing even the noisy cicadas.

A deathly silence, like a heavy shroud, enveloped this hellish scene where a human tragedy had just unfolded.

Zhao Bao stood alone in the middle of the pool of blood, his boots sticky.

The taste of revenge...

Like strong liquor, it burned his throat, bringing a dizzying, extreme pleasure that made every muscle in his body tremble slightly with excitement.

However, when the last drop of the enemy's blood seeped into the soil, the boiling murderous intent and excitement receded like the tide.

What remains is a vast, cold, suffocating emptiness.

It felt as if a hole had been ripped open in my heart, and a cold wind was rushing in.

He needs something to fill it.

immediately.

Zhao Bao had two ways to fill the void.

The first option: Continue the revenge!

Next target—godfather, Li Dafu!
Getting Li Dafu to take revenge will be a bit complicated.

After all, Li Dafu was the head of the Zongwu Prefecture, a powerful figure with official rank, status, and connections.

But for Zhao Bao now, it's just a little troublesome.

In Zhao Bao's eyes now, it's just an obstacle that requires a little more effort.

Li Dafu is destined to follow in Ma Shenggui's footsteps!

The second approach carries a subtle, almost imperceptible longing: to seek comfort.

That was the only place that could bring a sliver of warmth to his cold heart...

Sudden.

Behind me, I heard deliberately soft footsteps.

Cao Xian appeared at the courtyard gate. He bowed, his posture impeccably respectful, and his voice was steady:
"grown ups."

Even though the young boss in front of him was his subordinate before today.

At his age, he's long been used to these kinds of things, and there's nothing he can't get over.

Zhao Bao didn't turn around; his gaze remained fixed on the dark red mud beneath his feet, his voice echoing with a hollow quality:

"Cao Xian, Li Dafu... how's the investigation going?"

Cao Xian sighed inwardly.

Too hasty.

Having just taken office yesterday, Zhao Bao immediately ordered him to investigate Li Dafu, hoping to find something to do with Li Dafu so that he could bring him down in one fell swoop.

But what can be found in just one day?
But Cao Xian also knew that he couldn't say these things in front of his superiors. Instead, he had to put it another way and let his superiors know that he had a clear plan and had already begun to take action.

Therefore, Cao Xian cautiously replied:

“My lord, Li Dafu’s adopted sons and their cronies are deeply entrenched, but this is precisely the opening to pry them open. I have already obtained solid evidence of the crimes of several of his capable adopted sons, and I am arranging for people to attack them along this line.”

"Within three to five days, we will surely make a discovery, and then we can follow the clues to find the source..."

really.

Zhao Bao did not press further, clearly aware that he had acted too hastily.

However, beneath his lowered eyelids, a chilling killing intent surged silently like an undercurrent in an abyss.

Cao Xian...

That name was also on that death list!
Unforgettable!

Cao Xian helped Zhao Bao.

It was under Cao Xian's guidance that Zhao Bao was able to gradually move from the Zongwu Mansion into the Investigation Bureau, eventually reaching his current position of great power.

But Zhao Bao could never forget how, in Cao Xian's gloomy torture chamber, the cold instruments of torture crushed his will inch by inch, imprinting pain beyond the limits of the body into his soul!

That's the real hell!

While he was cleaning, he was bullied by Ma Shenggui. The damage was more to his mind and self-esteem. As for his physical body... it was just a few broken bones and some cuts in his skin. Zhao Bao could endure this kind of pain.

But under Cao Xian's torture instruments, Zhao Bao realized for the first time that physical injury could be so painful that he wished he could die immediately!

This left a deep shadow in Zhao Bao's heart.

Therefore, he will definitely kill Cao Xian! To avenge that day!
He has long remembered everyone who has tormented or bullied him, and he will seek revenge on them one by one!

but now……

Zhao Bao suddenly turned around.

To Cao Xian's astonishment, with a "thump," the newly appointed third-in-command knelt straight down in front of him!

Zhao Bao cried out in a mournful voice:

"Father-in-law—!"

Cao Xian was startled and hurriedly reached out to help him up:

"My lord! You're making me feel terrible! Please, please rise!"

He tried to lift him, but found that Zhao Bao's body was as heavy as a rock and he couldn't lift him at all.

Cao Xian had no choice but to kneel down with a thud, his forehead touching the ground, and said in fear:

"What are your orders, my lord? This servant would gladly die for you!"

Zhao Bao raised his head, tears mingling with cold sweat streaming down his face, his eyes filled with helplessness and fear, a stark contrast to the decisive and ruthless leader he had just been.
"Eunuch Cao! Zhao Bao's success today is entirely due to your support!"

"The kindness of being reborn is like that of parents! Zhao Bao will never forget it in this lifetime!"

He grabbed Cao Xian's withered hand, like a drowning man grasping at a piece of driftwood, his voice trembling with sobs as he pleaded:
"But... but I, Zhao Bao, am young and inexperienced. Having suddenly risen to such a high position, I feel as if I am walking on thin ice, trembling with fear! I dare not take a wrong step, yet I do not know where the road ahead lies!"

"Father-in-law, you are a wise and capable strategist, well-versed in factory affairs, and insightful in understanding people's hearts. You are the pillar of the anti-crime factory! Zhao Bao cannot do without you!"

"In this vast police station, Zhao Bao only trusts you!"

He leaned forward, his forehead slamming heavily against the cold ground:
"Please, Father-in-law, don't abandon me!"

"Treat Zhao Bao as your own son or nephew, and teach and guide him at all times!"

"Please, Father-in-law—!"

Upon hearing Zhao Bao's words, Cao Xian exclaimed in surprise:

"My lord, you must not say such things!"

Zhao Bao immediately kowtowed three times to Cao Xian, weeping as he said:
"My father-in-law still calls me 'Sir' instead of 'Zhao Bao.' Does he really think I'm too young and inexperienced and doesn't want to help me?"

"If that's really the case, then I, Zhao Bao, would rather have died at the hands of Li Dafu back then!"

"Since you saved my life and led me down this path, why not give me another chance?"

"Father-in-law! I beg you!"

He humbled himself to the point of being in the dust, his forehead covered in blood-stained dirt, as if he wanted to nail himself there until he received Cao Xian's promise.

Now, of course he cannot kill Cao Xian!

Zhao Bao was well aware that he had suddenly been promoted ten ranks and had taken a high position in the third tier.

This will inevitably arouse envy and jealousy among countless people in the police station, bringing him a lot of trouble.

If he wants to secure his position, he needs to curry favor with the Grand Eunuch above him, and he also needs capable ministers and officials like Cao Xian to assist him below.

Today, Zhao Baogen's foundation is not just shallow, but practically nonexistent.

If he wants to establish a firm foothold, he really can't do without Cao Xian.

Therefore, Zhao Bao appealed to Cao Xian's emotions and reasoned with him, hoping to persuade Cao Xian to continue helping him.

Looking at the young eunuch before him, tears streaming down his face, pleading humbly, Cao Xian felt a mix of emotions.

He certainly remembered the kindness he had shown to Zhao Bao.

It was Cao Xian who discovered Zhao Bao, trained him, saved his life, and gave him the opportunity to improve.

Zhao Bao should have been his most successful "work" and his most loyal reward.

It's only natural that Zhao Bao would be grateful to him.

Everything seemed to be going according to his plan, except... the speed of the ascent was beyond his control.

"My lord! My lord, you mustn't do this!"

Cao Xian's voice carried a hint of genuine emotion as he kowtowed deeply.

"This servant, Cao Xian, is willing to serve you to the death! From this day forward, we will share joys and sorrows, and follow you through life and death!"

He has no way out.

He and Zhao Bao were already in the same boat.

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction flashed in Zhao Bao's eyes. He then stood up and helped Cao Xian to his feet as well.

"Thank you, father-in-law!"

He gripped Cao Xian's hand tightly, his tone earnest:

"If Father-in-law does not betray Zhao Bao, Zhao Bao will certainly not betray Father-in-law!"

Then, he changed the subject, a misplaced curiosity flashing in his eyes:

"By the way, sir, I heard that Second-in-Command Jin Jinliang was severely injured by a mysterious master. Although he survived, he is now practically a cripple?"

He lowered his voice:
"I wonder... how such a situation is usually handled in the police station?"

Cao Xian felt a chill run down his spine, not expecting Zhao Bao to suddenly ask about this.

He answered cautiously:
"The police station does not keep useless people."

"If Lord Jin is truly crippled, according to precedent, he will be transferred to a quiet government office of the same rank to retire."

He paused, then added meaningfully:

"However... this may not be a blessing for Lord Jin."

"Which of the four gang leaders doesn't have enemies all over the world?"

"Once they lose their martial arts skills and the protection of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, their fate... is unimaginable."

Zhao Bao's eyes lit up instantly, like a shark smelling blood:

"Then... if the second-gear position becomes vacant as a result, according to convention, the third-gear position should be promoted to fill the vacancy?"

"Or... should we bring in people from outside?"

Cao Xian understood immediately, inwardly marveling at the young man's ambition and eagerness, but his face remained impassive:

"My lord, within the Criminal Investigation Bureau, everything is at the mercy of the bureau chief's will."

"Factory affairs are numerous, some tasks are credits, and some are traps. How to allocate them is the way the factory manager manages his subordinates."

"If the eunuch wants to promote someone, he will give him the opportunity to make a contribution; if he doesn't want to... then every step will be thorny and he will be in trouble at every turn."

Zhao Bao seemed to be deep in thought, then his face lit up with joy:

"Thank you for clearing up my doubts, sir!"

"Please prepare a generous gift for me, sir, something that will meet the factory director's approval."

"Tomorrow, I would like to visit the eunuch and receive his teachings."

Zhao Bao didn't really know the eunuch well enough, and didn't know his preferences, so he could only leave the matter of the gift to Cao Xian.

Cao Xian shook his head inwardly; he was still too hasty.

He subtly reminded him:
"My lord, you might as well rest and recuperate for the next two days and observe how things develop."

"If nothing unexpected happens, the eunuch's orders... will be issued soon."

"We can figure out what kind of job it is then."

He paused for a moment, then added:
"As for the generous gifts, this servant will do her best to handle them."

After saying this, Cao Xian bowed and withdrew to carry out his duties.

Watching Cao Xian's departing figure, Zhao Bao's humility and eagerness vanished instantly, leaving only a cold scrutiny.

He was acting just now.

He plays a frivolous, impatient, and unstable young upstart.

Only with this kind of image can an old fox like Cao Xian lower his guard, and only then will he be unable to resist "giving him pointers," and only then will he... reveal more of his exploitable qualities.

It seems that Cao Xian has gotten into character.

Zhao Bao plans to continue building the persona he has created for himself in order to gain a foothold in this position.

He composed himself and then left.

As he left the blood-soaked courtyard, the hard lines on Zhao Bao's face softened unconsciously as he walked, even taking on a hint of almost naive anticipation.

He was going to see the only two people in this cold palace who could truly make him let down his guard and feel warmth.

He stopped as he passed a well.

Looking down, I saw dark red bloodstains splattered on the boot, and a strong, lingering smell of blood.

He frowned, then without hesitation, fetched water and carefully rinsed his boots until there was not a trace of dirt left.

She then took out her personal perfume box and gently applied a delicate fragrance to her collar and cuffs to mask the nauseating smell of rust.

After doing all this, he straightened his brand-new official robe, straightened his back, and continued on his way.

Along the way, the gazes of every eunuch, palace maid, and even patrolling imperial guard who encountered him changed. Shock, astonishment, disbelief, deep awe, naked jealousy…

A mix of emotions intertwined, converging into an invisible web.

Whispers followed him like a shadow.

Occasionally, ministers who came to the palace on official business would recognize his illustrious official robes, and they would put on a smile, take the initiative to step forward and greet him with clasped hands.

Zhao Bao calmly accepted all these gazes.

This feels...so good!
These were all kinds of attention and treatment he had never received before.

This feeling of being surrounded by admirers, like an addictive poison, instantly washes away the emptiness after murder, bringing a chilling sweetness.

Like rain after a long drought, it nourished his once parched and humble soul.

Once upon a time, he was nothing more than an insignificant ant under the palace walls, and no one paid any attention to him.

Apart from……

He stopped near a secluded corridor.

My gaze passed through the carved window lattice and landed on those two familiar figures—

One man was dressed in armor, with a long sword at his waist, exuding heroic spirit.

The other woman was dressed as a palace maid and had a slender figure.

It was Liang Jin and Su Lian.

They were leaning against the vermilion pillars, talking about something. Su Lian covered her mouth and chuckled softly, while Liang Jin also had a relaxed smile on his face.

Seeing them smile, Zhao Bao's own lips involuntarily curved upwards, beaming with joy.

During this time, Zhao Bao had experienced many life-threatening situations, and the only thing on his mind was the two of them.

As long as he saw that they were safe and sound, the heavy weight in his heart quietly lifted.

however.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the huge iron cage in the corner of the wall in the distance, and inside the cage, a fat, fair-skinned figure with a vacant look in his eyes.

"Pig King" Zhao Yu.

Zhao Bao frowned slightly and quickly disappeared into the shadows of the pillars.

Given his current status, he absolutely cannot allow such a "thing" to notice him, much less allow him to glimpse his relationship with his best friend.

He concentrated his energy, and a subtle yet clear voice was precisely delivered to Liang Jin and Su Lian's ears:

"Brother Jin! Xiao Lian!"

"Over here! Come here quickly!"

The two people in the distance turned their heads at the same time, saw his figure hidden behind the pillar and his waving gesture, and their faces immediately showed surprise and joy. They quickly walked over.

Zhao Bao subconsciously straightened his back, displaying the black python robe he wore, a symbol of supreme power, even more proudly, his face filled with undisguised pride.

Like a child eager to show off a new toy.

Liang Jin approached, looked him up and down, a mischievous smile in his eyes:
"Oh! That outfit... a new official robe?"

"Look at you, so cocky. You've really become an official?"

Su Lian's eyes sparkled, filled with curiosity and excitement:
"Brother Bao! You really became a high-ranking official? What kind of official position is it?"

"Look how imposing he is! He's even more impressive than a general on stage!"

Zhao Bao felt extremely satisfied with his little bit of pride.

He cleared his throat, trying to make his voice sound steady, but he couldn't suppress his high spirits:
"That is!"

"How's the third-in-command of the Criminal Investigation Depot?"

Upon hearing this, Liang Jin and Su Lian showed expressions of surprise and astonishment.

This is the result that Zhao Bao and others got.

He patted his chest forcefully, causing the blood-red claw-shaped emblem on his official badge to tremble slightly.
"From now on, if anyone dares to bully you in this palace, I will stand up for you!"

His gaze shifted to Su Lian, carrying an air of absolute confidence:

"Xiao Lian, would you like to be a female official? There are six ranks of female officials: Shang Gong, Shang Yi, Shang Fu, Shang Shi, Shang Qin, and Shang Gong. You can choose any of them!"

"Want to get closer to the esteemed? The positions of Madam, Consort, Virtuous Lady, and Cautious Lady are nothing more than a matter of a word from me!"

Upon hearing this, Su Lian smiled and waved her hand, her eyes clear:

"How could I possibly be destined to be an official?"

"Even if you force it on me, Brother Bao, I won't be able to do it well. I'm too clumsy."

"I'm doing very well now with Consort Xu. She treats us kindly, the work isn't heavy, and we can often sneak out to talk to Brother Jin."

She looked at Zhao Bao with a genuine smile:
"Now that you're back, Brother Bao, the three of us should get together more often!"

Zhao Bao shook his head, looking utterly disappointed.
"You're spineless! You really want to serve someone for the rest of your life?"

"Besides, with me here now, why would we need to gather secretly?"

He waved his hand grandly, displaying boundless pride:

"I'll get you a palace pass! The best restaurant in the capital, the best banquet! We'll have a proper gathering!"

Su Lian's eyes lit up instantly, and she almost jumped for joy:

"real?!"

"I've been wanting to go out and see the world for a long time! These past few days I've been gesturing to Brother Jin like a wooden stake, just thinking about buying a house!"

"If I could leave the palace, I could go see it myself!"

Buying a house?

Zhao Bao was taken aback, filled with doubt.

His gaze unconsciously fell on Liang Jin again, and this time he truly noticed the changes in Liang Jin.

Liang Jin was no longer wearing the uniform of an ordinary soldier, but had changed into the uniform of a banner commander!

I was so busy showing off and talking to Xiaolian that I completely forgot about my brother's promotion!
"Brother Jin! You...you've become an official too?!"

Zhao Bao pointed in surprise at Liang Jin's official robes.

Liang Jin smiled nonchalantly and patted his clothes:

"Thanks to my old boss, I managed to get a minor officer position. But compared to you, a third-rank officer, it's nothing."

"Don't interrupt, we're talking about the house!"

Zhao Bao's curiosity was completely piqued:
"Tell me quickly! What house is it that you two have been discussing for so long?"

Liang Jin and Su Lian exchanged a smile, their eyes both shining with a warm yet resolute light.

Su Lian spoke quickly, her voice carrying an undeniable seriousness:

"Brother Bao, you'll definitely want one too after hearing this!"

Liang Jin took over the conversation, his tone calm yet powerful:

"Xiaolian told me the other day that we can't stay in these palace walls forever."

"We'll get out someday. But the three of us..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Zhao Bao and Su Lian:

"We are all orphans with no roots or foundation. If we leave this Sifang City, where is our home?"

boom--!
Zhao Bao felt as if a thunderbolt had exploded in his mind!
He froze on the spot, his pupils shrinking slightly.

This question... was like a cold key, unexpectedly unlocking a corner of his heart that he had never touched before.

yes……

The palace belongs to the emperor, the concubines, and the powerful, but it has never belonged to Zhao Bao!
This is merely the battlefield where he struggles, climbs, and acquires power and strength.

After leaving...

In this vast world, where can I find refuge?
He had never even considered it!

A blank white fog instantly enveloped his heart.

Liang Jin's voice continued, carrying a sense of relief and acceptance:
"Xiaolian and I think the same way. The capital is the place we know best."

"From now on, I'll settle down here."

His tone was firm and resolute:

"We need to have our own home!"

Su Lian nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with the light of dreams, her voice clear and strong:

"We want to buy a house! I've been saving up for so long!"

She counted on her fingers:
"It needs to be close to the capital! I want to be able to see the palace walls as soon as I open the window, just like I can still see the days we spent here!"

She looked at Zhao Bao with eager eyes:

"It needs to be bigger! Big enough for the three of us to live together!"

"Then we can eat together every day, laugh together, and go out for walks together! We'll be together forever!"

Liang Jin smiled and shook his head, with an older brotherly tolerance:

"It's okay if we don't live together, but we must be neighbors! The three houses are right next to each other, and each person has a key to the other two houses."

"When I want to visit someone, I can just push open the door and come in, just like I'm at home!"

Su Lian's voice trembled slightly with excitement:
"The house we bought will be our home from now on!"

"We can live here for the rest of our lives! A peaceful and lively life! No one can separate us!"

Zhao Bao stood frozen in place, as if struck in the brain by an invisible giant hammer!

Liang Jin and Su Lian's simple, passionate, and incredibly specific words were like rusty yet sharp keys.

With a "click," it suddenly yanked open that rusty door in his heart that he had never stepped into before!

The afternoon breeze swept across the palace walls, ruffling Liang Jin and Su Lian's hair, and also stirring the brand-new, cold python robe Zhao Bao was wearing.

The sunlight cast long shadows of the three people at the foot of the palace wall.

live!……

house!……

My own little nest! ...

These three concepts, which were once incredibly distant from him and had never even entered his vocabulary, were now clearly described by Liang Jin and Su Lian.

The scene they depicted, like the warmest sunlight, instantly pierced through the cold emptiness left by his revenge, shining directly into the desolate land deep within his soul.

Home!
This word, along with all the images it evokes:
The closely connected courtyards at the foot of the capital, the unwavering determination of each holding the key to the other, the outline of the imperial city that can be seen when you look up, and the scenes of three meals a day, four seasons, laughter and chatter in the courtyard.

All of this was like surging, scalding lava, instantly filling Zhao Bao's heart, which was wrapped in layers of hatred, lust for power, and bloodlust!

The scene was so vivid, so beautiful: a small courtyard with blue bricks, wisps of smoke rising from the chimney, the three of them sitting around a stone table in the sunset, eating simple food, Xiaolian gnawing on a pig's trotter, while he and Jin-ge chatted idly beside her...

So real!

It was so real that he could almost smell the dampness of the soil under the courtyard wall, feel the rising heat of the food, and feel the cold metallic sensation of the key in his palm!
A surge of intense heat, so powerful it was suffocating, rushed into his nasal cavity and slammed into his eye sockets!

That was the part of himself that he thought had long since dried up, the part that belonged to the "person" "Zhao Bao"!

Faced with this burning, simple aspiration, all the bloodshed, the power struggles, and the chilling calculations at the top pale in comparison.

Everything seemed so cold, empty, and even... filthy at that moment!
Humans are destined to grow old and die.

But the only people he truly hoped would grow old with him and face death together were Jin-ge and Xiao-lian.

Home……

Buy a house!

At this moment, buying a house and starting a family is no longer just Liang Jin and Su Lian's dream, but also Zhao Bao's own dream!

It's a shared dream of the three of them!

An indescribable surge of heat rushed to my eyes, making them sting unbearably.

"Tick."

A drop of scalding wetness landed unexpectedly on the back of his hand, spreading into a small dark mark.

Zhao Bao was startled!
He suddenly realized that his vision had blurred, and cold tears had silently overflowed from his eyes and were streaming down his cheeks in a disheveled manner.

He turned around abruptly, his back to Liang Jin and Su Lian, and hurriedly pulled out the snow-white embroidered handkerchief, roughly and frantically wiping his cheeks.

The movement carried an almost pathetic sense of shame.

He was the most powerful and influential third-in-command of the Criminal Investigation Bureau!
He is a living Yama who strikes fear into the hearts of all!
How could I... how could I cry in public?
And it was right in front of Brother Jin and Xiao Lian!

This is so...so embarrassing!
He took a few deep breaths, blinked hard to wipe away the remaining moisture from his eyes, and made sure there were no more marks on his face before slowly turning around.

He straightened his back, trying to make his expression look solemn and reliable, and met Liang Jin and Su Lian's concerned gazes, speaking each word as if it were the most solemn vow:

"Brother Jin! Xiao Lian!"

"Leave this to me!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a resolute and unwavering power; every word seemed to be carved with all his might.
"Let's go together! Let's see the best rooms!"

"No matter where! No matter how much it costs! As long as you like it!"

He practically spat out the last promise through clenched teeth, his eyes burning brightly:

"I'll take care of buying them!"

(End of this chapter)