Huo Ling Long sneered. “Oh? Aren’t you the Chief Commander of the Xiang Yang Prince’s forces, Shao Du Tong? How could you possibly be Shao Ji Zu? The Shao Ji Zu I knew is dead, isn’t he? What connection could a mere commoner like me have with the Chief Commander of Xiang Yang?”
Shao Ji Zu looked perplexed. “Ling Long, you’re just angry again. Here I am, standing before you perfectly fine.”
Huo Ling Long lifted her chin, her smile icy as she said, “Your Excellency’s diligence baffles me even more. The Shao Ji Zu I knew—wasn’t he killed by you?”
Shao Ji Zu was momentarily speechless.
Huo Ling Long continued, “The Shao Ji Zu I knew was a proud and honorable hero, a man who stood tall and upright. Wasn’t it you, the Chief Commander of Xiang Yang, who killed him? Wasn’t it the ambition and greed of the Xiang Yang Prince’s estate that destroyed him? You not only killed him but devoured his conscience as well—didn’t you?”
Her clear voice sounded piercing to Shao Ji Zu’s ears.
“How could you possibly be the Shao Ji Zu I once knew? You’re part of the Prince’s household, lording over the common folk, wielding the Jin Shi Tang’s assassins to kill at the West Bridge ferry without hesitation. You revel in aiding and abetting the Xiang Yang Prince’s tyranny, drawing your sword to intimidate others. And then, you even brought the Emperor’s imperial decree of marriage to Linglong Manor, brandishing it like a weapon against me. Such prestige you wield, Your Excellency! How could you be the Shao Ji Zu I’ve always known?”
The bitter smile froze on Shao Ji Zu’s handsome face. His gaze, a blend of fire and ice, lingered on her face for a long time, making her instinctively turn away. His voice, slow and measured, broke the silence. “Ling Long, we’ve known each other since we were children. I’ve always adored and cared for you, and now that we’re engaged, why do you insist on saying such hurtful things?”
Huo Ling Long replied, “Well, this is strange indeed. How could the person I grew up playing with be you? How could the one engaged to me be you? Surely, the Chief Commander of Xiang Yang has mistaken me for someone else. If we had known each other since childhood, if we were truly engaged, then why would you stop me when I went to the Xiang Yang Prince’s estate? Why would you draw your sword so menacingly, threatening me? Your words, Commander Shao, make no sense to me.”
Shao Ji Zu softened his tone and said gently, “Ling Long, that night when you stormed into the Xiang Yang Prince’s estate, I was indeed in the wrong. But if you’re angry with me, you should direct your anger at me. Why did you have to involve the Xiang Yang Prince himself?”
In the blood-red sunset after the rain, Huo Ling Long’s mocking smile was clearly visible. The sunset dyed that smile a deep crimson, making it impossible to discern how much sadness, helplessness, or bitterness lay within. That smile pierced Shao Ji Zu’s heart like a blade.
Huo Ling Long laughed and said, “The Xiang Yang Prince’s estate—is it larger than Nanqing Palace? Am I forbidden from causing him trouble? Wasn’t it his meddling, presenting the Emperor’s decree of marriage, that forced my father to pressure me into marrying you? Why shouldn’t I see for myself what kind of unparalleled abilities this man possesses, to meddle so far as to interfere with Huo Ling Long? Why shouldn’t I see what kind of deity he is, that even the Shao Ji Zu I knew would enter his estate and forget his conscience in favor of wealth and glory?”
Shao Ji Zu replied, “Ling Long, how can you speak so disrespectfully of the Prince? His kindness in recognizing my worth is something I could never repay, even if I were to be torn limb from limb.”
Huo Ling Long nodded and said, “Of course, to you, gratitude outweighs morality and justice. No wonder—no wonder. When I said I had offended him, what did that have to do with you? Commander Shao, after all, is not part of Linglong Manor. Even if the Prince sent someone to kill me, it would still be a matter for Linglong Manor. Why did you, Commander Shao, personally lead a team in pursuit?”
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