Published: March 7, 2025
CHAPTER 133: Scorching Hot
"You see, this handwriting is clearly from Number One; and the letter was sent by Chu King of Hell; it was delivered using our invisible falcon..."
Diwu Qingrou said, "If it were someone else, they would think that Number One is just fine. But facing me, Diwu Qingrou, Chu King of Hell would never be so optimistic as to believe I have accepted this note!"
"Does he think a broken, lifeless note can fool me, Diwu Qingrou? I've already 'died' countless times!" Diwu Qingrou asserted, "So Chu King of Hell wouldn't dare to think this way; yet he still did it. Undoubtedly, this is an insult to us!"
Now, the bitterness in Diwu Qingrou's eyes had vanished, replaced with a fierce fighting spirit, as if facing a worthy opponent!
"This is a declaration of war! It's a challenge from Chu King of Hell to me!" Diwu Qingrou's tone was heavy. "He is certain that I will accept it; thus, he has gained the upper hand."
"But Lord Xiang can just ignore it, letting him punch into thin air!" Han Buchu asked.
This time, Gao Sheng did not show any disdain towards Han Buchu; instead, he revealed a hint of admiration.
Han Buchu was somewhat impulsive and not very far-sighted, which was why Gao Sheng usually looked down on him. He didn't understand why, during every important discussion, Diwu Qingrou would allow Han Buchu to attend. In Gao Sheng's view, such high-level meetings were not for someone like Han Buchu, and if he were Diwu Qingrou, he would have long since chased this kid out.
But now, he finally understood. Among the three of them, Han Buchu was truly the most formidable! If Han Buchu's statement hadn't been so obvious, Gao Sheng wouldn't have noticed...
Every time Han Buchu spoke, he held an opposing opinion, and it was one that showed great strategy and intelligence; it was an objection that most people could think of. And every time Diwu Qingrou explained his opposing views, it made some people feel, "Ah, I see, Lord Xiang is indeed brilliant."
He was an excellent foil!
By downplaying himself, he elevated Diwu Qingrou's almost immortal reputation. Such a person was definitely not a fool! He couldn't possibly be a fool.
Presumably, while he insulted Han Buchu for being a fool, Han Buchu was also cursing himself with similar words, right?
Indeed...
Diwu Qingrou said, "I cannot ignore this, as it relates to my reputation and the sentiments of the entire Great Zhao, especially under the Xiang Residence." Diwu Qingrou added meaningfully, "You must know, Number One holds far too many resources for Chu King of Hell to exploit. If Number One also doubts me, feeling disheartened... what do you think will happen?"
The three of them broke into a cold sweat upon hearing this; Han Buchu trembled all over, almost unable to stand, deeply bowing and saying, "Lord Xiang, you are brilliant! I was narrow-minded, calculating your heart with the mind of a petty person; I feel deeply ashamed! Today, thanks to your enlightenment, it's like being awakened from a dream... Please forgive me, Lord."
Brilliant! A master!
Gao Sheng admired him in his heart; if it had been before today, he would have merely scoffed and called him a sycophant!
But today, it became apparent that Diwu Qingrou was teaching the rest of them, and Han Buchu's seemingly foolish self-deprecation and flattery completely eliminated any possible rift between those present and Diwu Qingrou.
"So since Chu King of Hell has made his move, I cannot refuse!" Diwu Qingrou declared, "Moreover, I must save him. In doing so, I would be playing right into Chu King of Hell's calculations! And now, Chu King of Hell has probably set up a heavenly net and earthly web, waiting for our people to dive in! And we have no choice but to dive in; this is the power of Chu King of Hell, and the advantage he has gained!"
"Furthermore, if we do not save him, Chu King of Hell will certainly use this to claim that I, Diwu Qingrou, am inherently cold-hearted, disregarding my competent subordinates who have made significant contributions... Such public opinion, if it spreads, could affect the hearts of the people in the future, even among army commanders and officials in the court... If a specific environment is created, heh, the repercussions could be great!"