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

Chapter 629 You are mine
The nine voids have no boundaries.

The sky is an unchanging, suffocating black.

The biting wind howled and swirled endlessly over the desolate ruins of the capital.

In this eerie space-time that mirrors the real capital, countless figures are rapidly moving about, exuding a chilling aura.

Drunken Wind Pavilion appears particularly remote in this dead zone.

In the real world, it should be a quiet and elegant place surrounded by green bamboo and where the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments can be heard.

However, the Drunken Wind Pavilion in the ruins of the capital was dark and lifeless, eerily quiet.

Two shadows, darker than the night itself, appeared almost simultaneously in a private room at Zuifenglou.

There were no pleasantries, no eye contact.

The laws of the capital city blocked out sound and blurred faces, leaving each other as indistinct humanoid shadows.

One of the shadows walked straight toward the wall without the slightest hesitation.

His fingers reached out, the tips of which were surrounded by a faint light that was barely visible to the naked eye. The wall, as hard as iron, was as soft as tofu in his hands!

Chi Chi Chi!
Stone chips fell in a soft rustling sound.

As the fingertip moved, four sharp, angular characters were clearly etched into the wall:

"Brother Jin, it's me."

The person who arrived was none other than Zhao Bao, who had come as promised.

His carving movements were steady and swift, demonstrating profound internal strength and exquisite control over power.

Another figure stood still for a moment, then raised its hand and waved it in the air.

An invisible gust of wind swept by, instantly smoothing out the writing on the wall along with the surrounding stone dust, leaving the wall smooth as if it had never been touched.

Then, he extended his finger, which was also surrounded by a barely perceptible halo, and began to carve on the cold stone wall:
"Zhao Bao, it's me."

"Something has happened to me."

The person who came was Liang Jin.

The rustling sound of fingertips gliding across the stone wall was exceptionally clear in the deathly silent private room.

A silent exchange unfolded.

The stone wall became their only letter paper, and their fingertips became their pens.

Zhao Bao told Liang Jin many things, including how he used the information provided by Liang Jin to successfully assassinate Prince Jian'an, Zhao Xiu, and escape unscathed.

This matter has now caused a huge uproar in Beijing.

Some princes without ambition have been terrified, fearing they might be drawn into the struggle for the throne, and have begun packing their bags to flee the capital.

Meanwhile, some princes who were interested in participating in this struggle had already begun to form alliances and even started to recruit martial arts masters to protect their personal safety.

The water in the capital has become exceptionally murky.

Ordinary people may not feel it yet, but those at the top are already filled with anxiety.

Liang Jin also told Zhao Bao a lot of things.

Today, he witnessed the fake empress attempting to switch the real empress with the real one, and then the empress was kidnapped. He also told Zhao Baozhen that the empress was now in his hands.

Many details were omitted, and Zhao Bao was only told the key results.

The true queen is a good card, but also a hot card.

Liang Jin couldn't keep her around indefinitely, so he needed Zhao Bao's assistance.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Bao's body trembled violently!
The response on the wall almost seemed to burst through it:
"Brother Jin! This is a godsend! A monumental achievement!!"

The handwriting revealed urgency and ecstasy:
"As long as we protect the true empress and thwart the treacherous plot, we can not only gain the support of the royal family, but also the Mu family!"

"In this way, our chances of succeeding in supporting Zhao Yu to the throne will be much greater!"

Liang Jin's heart stirred slightly.

Zhao Bao's judgment coincided with his own thoughts.

The palace secrets he gleaned from Mu Congshuang gave him a clearer and more alarming understanding of the court's power structure.

The Mu family is no ordinary family of military merit.

They were the founding fathers who fought alongside the Taizu Emperor to establish the dynasty. For a century, their military fortunes had been long and prosperous, and their disciples and former associates were scattered throughout the military. They had long since become the unshakeable leaders of the military of the Great Qian Dynasty.

The current head of the family, Mu Canglong, is stationed in the northern border, commanding an army of hundreds of thousands of fierce warriors. The high-ranking officers and soldiers of the army are all controlled by his family members and trusted disciples.

His power was so great that it made the emperor on the dragon throne restless and unable to eat or sleep!
He is a truly powerful minister!
People only think that the emperor was incompetent, relied heavily on eunuchs, established the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, and carried out a series of cruel secret police and prisons, which led to the existence of figures like the "Nine Thousand Years Old" (a high-ranking official in the Qing Dynasty). The eunuch faction still controlled the government and remained indifferent.

Mu Congshuang's testimony revealed the truth hidden beneath this fog.

That was merely a way for the emperor to form an alliance with the eunuch faction when power was out of balance, in order to restrain Mu Canglong, this behemoth that occupied the north!

The eunuch faction is a vicious dog, while the shepherd family is a fierce tiger that may devour its master at any moment.

The emperor was playing with fire, trying to suppress another fire with a more intense one.

Liang Jin's fingertips touched the ground, etching out a calm strategy:

"The most urgent task is to understand the enemy's plans so that we can counter them."

"Especially with the arrival of the tragic love story and the fake empress in the palace, there must be something earth-shattering about it!"

"Zhao Bao, we need you to find out the truth about this."

Even the real Empress Mu Congshuang was unaware of the schemes of Bei Huan and the fake empress.

After receiving news of the emperor's serious illness, the Mu family was already planning to take action.

But at this very moment, the Demon Slayer King was suddenly assassinated, which enraged the Black Dragon Dynasty, leading to a war against the Great Qian Dynasty.

Left with no other choice, the Duke of Zhenguo had to obey the imperial court's order to go to the northern border to fight.

The Mu family has always had a good relationship with Wanfo Temple.

As the situation in the capital became increasingly turbulent, in order to ensure that the Mu family would not be harmed in such a change of circumstances, the Mu family invited Master Beihuan, the abbot of Wanfo Temple, to protect the Mu family, especially Empress Mu Congshuang.

Inside the Great Buddha Temple, Mu Congshuang and Beihuan discussed the situation of some of the Mu family's political enemies.

Because these matters involved secrets, Mu Congshuang spoke privately with Beihuan alone.

But who could have imagined that this secret meeting would become an opportunity for Bei Huan to betray and kidnap Mu Cong Shuang?

Zhao Bao's response carried the chilling confidence unique to the Criminal Investigation Bureau:

"Don't worry, Brother Jin! Within the deep palace, no matter how small the disturbance, it will not escape the eyes and ears of our Investigation Bureau!"

"Once the fake empress returns to the palace, I will be able to figure out their intentions very quickly."

He slowed down his carving, a hint of worry in his eyes:
"However, until we find a good solution, the Empress will probably have to stay with you, Brother Jin, for the time being. I wonder if that place is safe?"

Liang Jin nodded to indicate that there was no problem.

That secret room had only two exits.

One of the exits is under a small bridge in the city, while the rest of that area has been bought up by the core members of the Taiping Dao in secret and has already begun renovations.

The other exit is in Marjan's house, which has been abandoned for many years and will remain safe unless a new owner comes along.

Liang Jin had always wanted to acquire it, but unfortunately, that house couldn't be bought with money alone.

Mentioning the Ma Rang residence, Liang Jin's heart stirred, and an idea surfaced in his mind.

He continued to depict:
"Do you have any connections to buy the residence of Ma Rangzhi, the former Grand Eunuch?"

Zhao Bao's shadow visibly froze for a moment, and a brief blank appeared on the wall.

Immediately, he seemed to understand Liang Jin's meaning.

The real empress is very likely hiding in that seemingly abandoned mansion!

He suddenly looked up at Liang Jin, his eyes filled with silent shock and questioning.

Liang Jin met his gaze and nodded slowly but firmly.

Zhao Bao's breath seemed to freeze for a moment.

He realized that the seriousness of the situation was far greater than he had imagined.

That house is no longer an ordinary property; it is now the key to the Empress's life and the success or failure of a shocking conspiracy!

He hesitated for a moment, then solemnly carved out the following:
"I don't know much about this matter. Jin, give me some time. I'll find out more about it and then give you an answer."

Liang Jin nodded in understanding.

There's no rush. The house has been abandoned for so many years, so it's unlikely that something will change in just a few days.

A glimmer of hope for the future flashed in Zhao Bao's eyes, and the engraving took on a touch of warmth:
"I also know the location of Ma Rang's residence; it's a really nice place. Since the Grand Eunuch doesn't plan to live there, I might still have a chance. If I can really succeed..."

He paused, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he gestured:

“In the future, Brother Jin and Xiaolian can move in.”

"That will be our new home!"

Liang Jin smiled silently, without writing a reply.

Family?
That house is too close to the capital. If you live there, you'll have many guests coming and going every day, and you'll need to discuss many important matters of the court.

That kind of place is suitable for working, but not for living.

It is neither peaceful nor a warm harbor.

As the two were talking, they suddenly heard the outside suddenly become quiet.

The sounds of warriors fighting in the capital city earlier vanished completely at this moment.

A chilling silence began to descend!
It's obvious without even guessing that most of the martial artists in the capital city are already dead.

Immediately afterwards, a chilling, bone-chilling killing intent, almost tangible, spread out from all directions without warning, precisely locking onto the small private room!
The killing intent was far stronger than that of the previous wandering shadows, carrying a pure and efficient will to destroy!

Zhao Bao immediately asked:

"Brother Jin, are you planning to commit suicide or fight other martial artists to leave?"

"I plan to go out and have a good fight with them to hone my combat skills."

You will not truly die in the ruins of the capital.

Although many martial artists are unwilling to reveal their true strength, there are also some who regard this place as a training ground for actual combat.

Zhao Bao's martial arts skills improved so quickly that he sometimes felt he couldn't fully control the power.

Therefore, even without using his most powerful techniques, he would seize the opportunity to fight other martial artists here to accelerate his mastery of power.

Liang Jin's response was concise and decisive:
"I will leave on my own."

After carving the words, he pulled out a simple-looking short dagger from his waist.

Without the slightest hesitation, he swung his hand back and the blade precisely pierced his own heart!

There was no blood, no screams.

Liang Jin's figure, like collapsing sand, turned into a wisp of smoke and completely dissipated into the cold, sticky air of the capital, leaving no trace.

Zhao Bao took a deep breath, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

He darted out of the private room, heading straight towards the overwhelming, chilling source of killing intent.

The deathly silence of the capital was instantly shattered by the rekindled, even more intense and violent sounds of fighting and collisions.

…………

Liang Jin suddenly opened his eyes, his consciousness instantly returning to reality.

He was enveloped by the unique chill of the secret room and the faint coldness emanating from the minerals.

He quickly glanced to the corner.

Empress Mu Congshuang remained curled up on the cold ground, her eyes closed, her breathing weak and even, clearly still in a deep coma brought on by the effects of the "True Word Root" medicine.

This state will last for several hours, enough time for him to finish what he needs to do.

Liang Jin left the secret chamber and then released two more array-based battle puppets to guard the area and prevent any accidents.

After doing all this, Liang Jincai hurriedly left the tunnel and blended into the bustling streets and alleys of the capital city as evening fell.

He was in a hurry to keep his appointment.

When Liang Jin knocked on the Zhao family's gate as the last rays of dawn appeared, it was already completely dark.

The courtyard gate opened with a sound, and Zhao Yiyi's beautiful face, illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns behind the gate, showed a hint of barely perceptible anxiety and a sense of relief at finally letting go.

"Brother Liang! You've arrived!"

Her voice was light and cheerful.

"I'm so sorry, I had some trivial matters to attend to and was delayed."

Liang Jin smiled apologetically and handed over a box of delicate pastries and a jar of fine Shaoxing wine that he had bought on the way.

Upon entering the living room, one finds Zhao Xingzhi and his wife, eldest sister Zhao Yiqiu and her husband Xue Chao, and second sister Zhao Yueqing and her husband Wu Hua, the entire family sitting around the table.

To Liang Jin's surprise, the dishes on the table were plentiful and the bowls and chopsticks were neatly arranged.

The food was still untouched!
Zhao Xingzhi stroked his beard, his smile broad and kind:
"It's alright, it's alright, it's good that you're here. Why did you bring anything?"

“If you don’t come, Yi Yi won’t let us touch our chopsticks. She says you promised you’d come, and we have to wait until you arrive before we start eating.”

His tone was filled with helplessness towards his daughter's stubbornness and affection for Liang Jin.

Madam Zhao was even more enthusiastic, stepping forward to grab Liang Jin's arm and leading him to the host and guest seats:

"Please sit down! You must be starving after your journey. The food is a bit cold, I'll heat it up on the stove, it'll be ready soon!"

"Yi, quickly pour tea for Liang Jin!"

She naturally changed her form of address from "Young Master Liang" to "Liang Jin," conveying a sense of familiarity as an elder. Liang Jin sat down as instructed.

The two couples, eldest sister Zhao Yiqiu and second sister Zhao Yueqing, looked at him with far more complicated expressions.

It was a mixture of awkwardness, scrutiny, and a hint of barely perceptible flattery.

I still remember when Liang Jin was just an ordinary Imperial Guard soldier with a bleak future.

Both families did everything they could to obstruct the relationship between Liang Jin and Zhao Yiyi, and their words were full of disdain.

Especially after learning that Liang Jin had taken Zhao Yiyi out for the night, he regarded him as a lecherous rogue and spoke harshly to him.

However, in a short period of time, Liang Jin suddenly rose to become the commander of the Imperial Guard!
Although he was only a seventh-rank military officer, in the capital city, the status of an Imperial Guard officer was enough to bring honor to one's family, representing a stable salary, potential for personal gain, and a certain social standing.

In contrast, the Zhao family was merely a poor family of private tutors. The eldest brother-in-law, Xue Chao, was a butcher, and the second brother-in-law, Wu Hua, was a tailor. Their livelihoods were far from comfortable.

This sudden reversal of status caught both families off guard.

They regretted their shortsightedness and feared that Liang Jin would hold a grudge.

They also worried that Liang Jin's status had changed, his standards had risen, and he would look down on the Zhao family, especially Zhao Yiyi, and instead try to curry favor with the daughters of officials.

This feeling of gain and loss made them appear particularly reserved in front of Liang Jin. They wanted to get close but couldn't bring themselves to do so, and they wanted to speak but didn't know where to begin.

This caused the atmosphere to become somewhat tense for a moment.

Zhao Yiyi saw this and felt uneasy.

She specially arranged this family dinner in the hope that the two sides could mend their past grievances.

But too many things happened during the day, and she had no chance to communicate with Liang Jin privately.

Seeing her family silent, she nervously twisted the hem of her clothes, afraid that Liang Jin would be displeased.

To everyone's surprise.

Liang Jin looked calm, as if all the past grievances had never existed.

He stood up, picked up the warm wine pot on the table, filled his cup, raised it, looked around at everyone, and said loudly:
"I'm sorry I'm late and made everyone wait so long."

"Uncle Zhao, Aunt Zhao, Brother Xue, Brother Wu, Sister Yiqiu, Sister Yueqing, Liang Jin will punish himself with three cups to apologize to everyone!"

After saying that, he tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, his movements swift and decisive.

He had a keen insight into the change in the Zhao family's mentality.

It's true that the Zhao family is indeed materialistic and disdains the poor.

Liang Jin could understand to some extent that the Zhao family had only hoped that Zhao Yiyi would marry into a good family and live a better life.

But to say they are opportunistic would be an understatement.

Liang Jin was, after all, just a banner commander in the Imperial Guard, and had no direct contact with the Zhao family's lives.

As the saying goes, a local official is more powerful than a distant one.

Officials in the Southern Imperial Guard did not have direct authority over the people of the capital.

The direct impact of Liang Jin becoming a flag commander on the Zhao family was even less than that of a constable in the Shuntian Prefecture government.

Regardless of the Zhao family's attitude or opinion, Liang Jin never cared.

Since they don't care, they won't find this change in attitude ironic or laughable.

Liang Jin downed his drink in one gulp, his bold gesture instantly breaking the deadlock.

This also gave the Zhao family enough face and dignity.

"Hey! Liang Jin, what are you doing!"

The eldest sister, Zhao Yiqiu, quickly stood up to stop him from pouring a second cup, her face beaming with a genuine smile:
"We're family, no need for formalities! Forget about fines, don't stand on ceremony! Come on, try this!"

She enthusiastically picked up a large, glistening, and fragrant piece of cured meat and placed it into Liang Jin's bowl without saying a word.

Nowadays, fatty meat is often more expensive than lean meat, so it's clear that Zhao Yiqiu gave the better cuts of meat to Liang Jin.

Second sister Zhao Yueqing also joked with a smile, trying to make the atmosphere even more lively:

"That's right! Liang Jin, look how eagerly we're waiting for you... When are you planning to come and propose marriage?"

"Our little sister has been looking forward to getting married for a long time, you can't let her wait until she becomes an old maid!"

As she spoke, she winked at Zhao Yiyi.

"Second sister!"

Zhao Yiyi blushed instantly and raised her chopsticks as if to hit Zhao Yueqing.

Everyone burst into laughter.

However, these seemingly joking words, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirred up everyone's emotions.

After the laughter subsided, a subtle silence fell over the living room for a moment.

Everyone's eyes, including those of Zhao Xingzhi and his wife, were subtly focused on Liang Jin.

Zhao Yueqing's words voiced everyone's deepest concerns.

Now that Liang Jin's status is different, is he still willing to keep his promise?
Would he abandon Zhao Yiyi in order to curry favor with the powerful and wealthy?

This family dinner was ostensibly about reunion, but its true purpose was to ascertain Liang Jin's true intentions.

Liang Jin put down his wine glass, met everyone's gaze, and wore a gentle yet firm smile:

"Sister Yueqing is joking."

“Although I, Liang Jin, am not a saint, I still know the meaning of gratitude and righteousness. Treating me with clothes shows your sincerity and deep affection. How could I be such a heartless, fickle person?”

"My heart is clear, I will never betray you."

These words were like a reassuring pill, bringing relief and peace of mind to Zhao Xingzhi and his wife, as well as Zhao Yiyi.

The two families of the eldest and second eldest sisters also looked much more relaxed.

But Liang Jin changed the subject, his tone becoming serious and pragmatic:
"only……"

He looked around at everyone, his gaze candid:

"The situation in the capital is currently turbulent, and a storm is brewing."

"In these turbulent times, if one has no foundation to stand on and no ability to make a living, talking about marriage will not only fail to protect her, but may also drag her into a bigger storm and increase the danger."

"That would be a real betrayal."

He paused, then spoke clearly and forcefully:
"Therefore, I intend to take advantage of this chaos and fight back with all my might."

"I will consider starting a family once I have a firm foothold and enough foundation and strength to shelter myself from the wind and rain."

“These are my heartfelt words. I hope Uncle Zhao, Aunt Zhao, and all my brothers and sisters will understand.”

These words were sincere and heartfelt, revealing both the speaker's true feelings and highlighting practical considerations.

The expressions of the people in the hall varied.

Everyone was somewhat skeptical, feeling that while Liang Jin's words made sense, the standard for "gaining a foothold" was too vague, and wondered if it was just an excuse.
They didn't know that Liang Jin genuinely planned to achieve success in his career before marrying Zhao Yiyi.

Or was it just a delaying tactic to toy with Zhao Yiyi's feelings?
Zhao Yiyi looked at Liang Jin, her lips moving slightly, as if she wanted to say something.

But with his family all around, it was inconvenient to say these words aloud, and in the end, they only turned into a deep tenderness and a faint worry in his eyes.

The atmosphere was about to fall into a delicate silence again.

My brother-in-law, Wu Hua, quick-witted, immediately changed the subject with a smile:

"Liang Jin is right! The world is becoming increasingly turbulent!"

"Guess what?"

"Today I went to the shop and overheard some distinguished customers who came to have clothes made talking, and it really startled me!"

He successfully captured everyone's attention:

"They said that a terrible thing happened at Prince Jian'an's residence last night! The prince... was assassinated! My God! He was a prince!"

"I heard that the whole city is searching for assassins, and the soldiers are checking every house, causing widespread panic!"

He paused, lowering his voice, which carried a hint of mystery:

"That's not all! This morning, Her Majesty the Empress went to the Great Buddha Temple to worship and pray for blessings, and she was also attacked by assassins!"

"In broad daylight, at a royal temple!"

"I heard the scene was extremely dangerous! However, Her Majesty the Empress is the reincarnation of a true phoenix, and she is protected by the gods. I heard that she escaped unharmed and returned to the palace safely in the end."

"Tsk tsk, tell me, how many years has it been since something this terrifying has happened in the capital?"

"I feel like the weather is about to change!"

Wu Hua's vivid description immediately sparked a discussion.

The crowd chattered amongst themselves, marveling at the mystery surrounding the death of Prince Jian'an, lamenting the perilous assassination attempt on the Empress, discussing the strict curfew, and worrying about the future situation.

The slight awkwardness from before dissipated under the impact of shared topics, and the atmosphere at the dinner table became warm and harmonious again.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the warm, homely atmosphere, the chill outside the window was temporarily dispelled.

As night deepened, the banquet finally came to an end.

Since the curfew had been imposed, both the eldest and second eldest sisters' families decided to stay overnight at the Zhao family's house.

Only Liang Jin, with his Imperial Guard Flag Commander's waist token, could move freely on the streets during the curfew.

"Gentlemen, I'm sorry to have bothered you today. I'll take my leave now."

Liang Jin stood up, cupped his hands in farewell, and took his leave.

Zhao Yiyi silently picked up a windproof lantern:
"Brother Liang, let me see you off."

The two walked out of the warm main room one after the other.

Zhao Yiyi insisted on seeing Liang Jin to the door, and even accompanied him for a short walk in the dark and quiet alley.

The dim, yellowish light of the lanterns could barely illuminate the few steps of the bluestone path beneath our feet.

The alley was shrouded in thick, impenetrable darkness, with the occasional bark of a dog in the distance only adding to its secluded and tranquil atmosphere.

The autumn night wind carried a chill, fluttering the hem of their clothes.

When she reached the middle of the alley, in a sheltered corner, Zhao Yiyi stopped.

She lowered her head, the lantern in her hand swaying slightly, the light and shadow dancing on her beautiful yet worried face.

After a moment of silence, she finally mustered her courage and, in a soft but resolute voice, broke the silence:

"Brother Liang..."

She raised her head, bravely meeting Liang Jin's gaze in the dim light:
"I...I was thinking of saying this at the dinner table...I don't want anything..."

Her voice trembled slightly, carrying the purest feelings of a young girl:
“I don’t care if you’re an officer or not, I don’t care if you have a big house… Even if you lose everything tomorrow and become an ordinary soldier, or even… even worse off than before…”

"I'm willing to follow you and serve you..."

She took a small step forward, getting closer to Liang Jin, the lantern light illuminating the shimmering tears in her eyes:

"Anything I have... my heart, my life... I'm willing to give it to you..."

Her voice lowered, carrying an almost humble promise:

"From now on... whatever you say or whatever you want me to do... I will listen to you... and never disobey you..."

A night breeze blew by, swirling up a few withered leaves that landed at their feet.

The lantern's flame flickered uncertainly in the wind.

Liang Jin gazed silently at the face before him, which was still breathtakingly beautiful even in the dim light.

This face has become an obsession for him.

He had long developed a strong possessive desire.

But he couldn't figure out whether his desire stemmed from infatuation with the face or from a yearning for the soul before him.

He couldn't tell for a moment.

But does it matter?
Liang Jin was never one to dwell on his inner turmoil.

If you want it, then possess it.

that is it.

He reached out, his long, slender fingers carrying the coolness of the night breeze, and gently lifted Zhao Yiyi's delicate chin, forcing her to look up at him more clearly.

His thumb, with an undeniable force, slowly stroked her smooth, delicate cheek, feeling the warmth and subtle trembling beneath her skin.

His gaze, like a deep, cold pool, firmly locked onto his own reflection in her eyes.

"Okay, let's go back."

His voice was low and calm, revealing little emotion.

Just when Zhao Yiyi thought he had finished speaking.

Liang Jin pinched her cheek with a slight pressure, the gesture carrying an intimacy that was almost a declaration of ownership, yet also revealing a cold sense of control.

"But I remembered it."

His voice wasn't loud, but every word struck Zhao Yiyi's heart clearly, leaving an undeniable mark:
"you are mine."

As soon as he finished speaking, Liang Jin withdrew his hand, no longer looking at Zhao Yiyi's face, which had turned pale and then flushed, and her eyes, which were filled with complex emotions.

He turned around without the slightest hesitation and strode out of the alley and into the main street.

His footsteps faded into the distance, eventually being swallowed up by the boundless night.

(End of this chapter)