Published: March 7, 2025
CHAPTER 122: Dare to Bet with Me?
“Over here.” Chu Yang led Tie Butian and the others toward the cell. When they reached the door, Cheng Ziang opened it, allowing Chu Yang, Tie Butian, and the two shadows—four people in total—to walk inside, while the rest remained outside.
The cell was not dark and damp; instead, it was dry and clean. In the corner stood an iron pillar as thick as a person's waist, and Tang Xingsheng was shackled to it in chains. Upon seeing Chu Yang enter, he even revealed a calm smile.
It seemed that being tied to this pillar was as comfortable as lying in bed at home. The people from Butian Pavilion had already restored his original appearance, resembling a handsome scholar in his thirties.
Tie Butian stood with his hands behind his back, slowly walking in, his gaze sharp as lightning fixed on Tang Xingsheng; he stared intently for quite a while.
Tang Xingsheng smiled gently, just as if he were in court conversing with Tie Butian.
“Master Tang, what is your relationship with Diwu Qingrou?” Tie Butian walked to the center of the room and slowly took a seat behind a table.
He did not ask whether Tang Xingsheng was a spy but directly inquired about his relationship with Diwu Qingrou. This gave the impression that: Your situation is already fully understood; there's no need for denial!
“Your Royal Highness, that question is a bit presumptuous,” Tang Xingsheng chuckled. “Although I, Tang Xingsheng, am now a prisoner, I am not someone who can be easily coerced!”
“So you really are a spy for Great Zhao?” Tie Butian closed his eyes.
“I don't want to admit it. From the moment you first questioned me, I thought of playing dumb... Haha, that can only be said to indicate that my character cultivation is still lacking; I still have some presumptuous notions.” Tang Xingsheng laughed casually. “Since it has come to this point, can I still deny it?”
Tie Butian sighed and said, “Master Tang, you are very capable and resourceful. I have always respected and valued you; I even thought that if one day the world were peaceful... I would appoint you as the chancellor of Iron Cloud... Haha, I had high hopes for you, yet I never expected to have been deceived by you for ten years!”
Tie Butian's words were heartfelt, and Tang Xingsheng, bound to the iron pillar, fell silent for a moment, reminiscing about the joyful camaraderie shared between ruler and minister. He couldn't help but sigh, “Your Royal Highness truly did not treat me unfairly. Unfortunately, with our two nations at war, we are each loyal to our own masters. I, too, feel quite regretful.”
He paused before continuing, “The greatest advantage I had was entering Iron Cloud when Your Royal Highness was still young and unable to see through my disguise; by the time you grew up, the matter had already been settled, which allowed me to remain safe in Iron Cloud for ten years. If it were the current heaven-mending crown prince, I’m afraid I would have been exposed on the first day!”
After finishing, he laughed self-deprecatingly and said, “Your Royal Highness is intelligent and wise, a leader of a generation! Unfortunately, you were born at the wrong time. Faced with Diwu Qingrou, even the greatest talent would only meet a disastrous fate.”
“Diwu Qingrou?” Tie Butian inhaled sharply, his tone tinged with sorrow, yet his eyes gleamed with sharpness. “Diwu Qingrou is indeed a heroic overlord of a generation, and because of that, Master Tang, I need to know everything you know.”
“I won’t say anything. Your Royal Highness should understand that this is the answer.” Tang Xingsheng smiled warmly. “Your Royal Highness, considering I haven't caused significant losses to Iron Cloud yet, I still have some merit; please... allow me to keep some dignity.”
“Dignity…” Tie Butian's expression changed, a hint of conflict flashing across his face. Yet he ultimately sighed softly, stood up, and walked out with his hands behind his back. He paused at the door and said, “Let him speak!”