Published: March 7, 2025
Chapter 201: The Mountains and Rivers Are Free to Those Who Are Free
Chu Yang pondered for a moment, weighing his words carefully before saying, “I know about Mr. Du’s disappearance…”
Tie Butian's expression changed dramatically. Although he had suspected this for some time, hearing Chu Yang say it out loud still shook him to his core!
Tie Shicheng, on the other hand, smiled with satisfaction and said, “Is that all you know?”
After a moment of silence, Chu Yang replied, “That’s all I know; I didn’t expect Mr. Du to disappear so quickly. Or rather, it’s quite the coincidence.”
Chu Yang ultimately chose to hold back more information.
“Oh?”
“Mr. Du has said that staying in Iron Cloud is his greatest crisis,” Chu Yang said nonchalantly.
“Indeed.” Both Tie Shicheng and Tie Butian nodded slightly in agreement.
Tie Shicheng chuckled, “I, along with Butian, clearly understand that Mr. Du Shiqing treated my wounds ten years ago; his presence here is indeed a major crisis.”
Chu Yang’s heart jolted as he looked at Tie Butian, who was also gazing at him with a complex expression.
So, Tie Butian had already known about this! And despite being aware, he was able to perfectly control himself, allowing Du Shiqing to treat the emperor’s wounds… The pressure he must bear is simply unimaginable.
If Du Shiqing was willing to take action once, who’s to say he wouldn’t do so again?
“Continue,” Tie Shicheng urged, his spirit now heightened to an extreme.
“The emperor’s illness cannot be delayed any longer. Mr. Du once said that even if he were to exhaust all his efforts, the emperor could only be delayed for two more months… and by then, Du Shiqing would undoubtedly face death,” Chu Yang stated calmly.
“Indeed. Neither Butian nor Diwu Qingrou would let him off the hook at that time!”
Tie Shicheng's words made Chu Yang look at him intently; this ailing king had clearly foreseen the future complications.
“If the crown prince doesn’t kill Du Shiqing, he cannot explain himself to Iron Cloud; but if he does kill Du Shiqing, the consequences would be equally unimaginable. Du Shiqing’s death could provide Diwu Qingrou with a significant boost! That’s the network he’s built over a lifetime as a physician!”
“Exactly.”
“I have received news that if the emperor passes away, the mourning period will mark the launch of a significant conspiracy by Diwu Qingrou, leading to widespread chaos in Iron Cloud. Diwu Qingrou would have a great opportunity to succeed! Even if he fails, Iron Cloud will suffer severe damage.”
Tie Shicheng pondered for a moment and slowly said, “Indeed, that would be Iron Cloud’s greatest crisis. The only way to resolve that crisis is for me to die early, but alas… I have told Butian many times, yet he remains indifferent.”
“With Mr. Du now missing, everyone is caught off guard; although I have my suspicions, I was still taken by surprise,” Chu Yang said quietly. “However, after everything settles down, I realize that our surprise is nothing compared to what Diwu Qingrou will experience!”
“Well said!” Tie Shicheng remarked appreciatively. “Now, I can finally relax completely!” He paused and sternly added, “Butian, no matter what happens in the future, you must not make things difficult for Chu Imperial Seat! Chu Imperial Seat’s foresight is absolutely your greatest support!”
Tie Butian closed his eyes in sorrow, and after a long while, he softly acknowledged.
“After I was injured, I wanted to resolve things myself. But back then, Butian was still young, and I couldn’t rest easy; so I held on… yet, later, I found myself unable to seek death!” Tie Shicheng said with relief. “Now, with Chu Imperial Seat here, I can finally feel at ease! I have waited for this day for over three years… I have truly suffered…”
“I have suffered so much… so much…” Tie Shicheng's expression darkened, the flush on his face slowly fading, the effect of the dragon soul incense evidently starting to wane.