17: Chapter 17 Zhao Xiaotian is captured, Zhao Zilong leads men to rescue him!

"Jin Rong, this plan of yours might not work. Zhao Zilong has always treated Zhao Xiaotian poorly; there's no way he'd care about whether Zhao Xiaotian lives or dies."

Cao Yun understood Zhao Zilong's usual attitude toward Zhao Xiaotian.

Furthermore, on one occasion when he visited Zhao Zilong's home, he had seen Zhao Zilong beating Zhao Xiaotian with his own eyes.

At that time, to build up his own persona, he had feigned concern and persuaded Zhao Zilong for a few moments. Only then did Zhao Zilong let Zhao Xiaotian go; otherwise, he might have beaten the boy to death.

Now that Jin Rong was suggesting this method, it clearly wouldn't work.

"Young Master Cao, to tell you the truth, the reason Zhao Zilong used to treat Zhao Xiaotian poorly was entirely because of me. I found that brat annoying, so I often whispered in Zhao Zilong's ear. That's why Zhao Zilong would beat and scold him."

Jin Rong wasn't lying to Cao Yun. In the beginning, Zhao Zilong had actually been quite good to Zhao Xiaotian—otherwise, he wouldn't have taken the boy in. It was only because Jin Rong constantly whispered poison in his ear that over time, because Zhao Zilong doted on her and feared making her unhappy, he began to treat Zhao Xiaotian poorly.

Moreover, sometimes he would intentionally find faults to punish Zhao Xiaotian just to make Jin Rong happy.

"But now, ever since he discovered our affair and divorced me, he's started being good to Zhao Xiaotian. Just yesterday, I saw Zhao Zilong taking Zhao Xiaotian to Qingyang Restaurant for a good meal and even buying him new clothes. Zhao Zilong must care a lot about Zhao Xiaotian now."

"If that's truly the case, then the method you mentioned is worth a try."

A sinister smirk appeared at the corner of Cao Yun's mouth as he stared intently at Jin Rong. Jin Rong felt uncomfortable and a bit panicked under his gaze. She asked, "Young Master Cao, why are you staring at me like that?"

Cao Yun said, "Jin Rong, I didn't expect you to be such a venomous woman..."

"Young Master Cao..."

Fearing that Cao Yun would have a negative opinion of her, Jin Rong moved to explain, but Cao Yun spoke first: "But I like it, hahaha!"

As he spoke, he took a large gulp of wine.

Jin Rong breathed a sigh of relief and gave a flattering smile.

She didn't dare offend Cao Yun now; if he discarded her as well, she would have no one to rely on.

As for why she was so determined to kill Zhao Zilong, Jin Rong knew that if he wasn't dead and happened to make something of himself one day while no longer wanting her, it would make her feel miserable.

Therefore, Zhao Zilong had to die. She would not give him the chance to succeed.

---

The next morning after breakfast, Zhao Zilong headed to the Princesss Residence.

He hadn't taken Zhao Xiaotian away directly—not because he didn't want to, but because he didn't dare.

Although he was now a First-Grade Martial Artist who had practiced Shaolin Staff Techniques and even saber techniques, making him more than a match for ordinary people, that woman from the previous dynasty had shown alarming methods last night. The fact that she had only issued a threat before leaving without snatching Zhao Xiaotian away immediately wasn't because she was kind, but because she had absolute confidence and wasn't afraid of anything he might do.

Zhao Zilong guessed that if he tried to take Zhao Xiaotian away now, the other party would surely take action.

Everything was just as Zhao Zilong had surmised.

When he left the courtyard and paid careful attention, he indeed discovered someone watching from outside.

"It must be the Remnants of the Previous Dynasty. Luckily I didn't take Xiaotian directly to see the Princess. Otherwise, I'm afraid the moment we father and son stepped out the door, they would have struck."

Zhao Zilong felt somewhat fortunate for his accurate prediction.

---

In front of the Princesss Residence, it seemed as if orders had already been given. When the guards at the gate saw Zhao Zilong, their stern faces turned respectful. They cupped their hands in greeting and allowed Zhao Zilong to enter the Princesss Residence.

Zhao Zilong entered the Princesss Residence and walked for a while. As he approached the Library, he was stunned by the scene before him.

Caiwei was standing to one side, while Princess Zhu Yunxi was practicing her swordplay under a peach tree. However, as winter was approaching, the tree was already bare of leaves.

Princess Zhu Yunxi clearly didn't know martial arts; it didn't look like sword practice so much as a sword dance, resembling a graceful performance.

The withered peach tree and the beautiful lady created a striking contrast.

Although Zhao Zilong had urgent matters to report, he was momentarily entranced and stood there staring blankly.

"Mr. Zhao, is the Princess beautiful?"

He hadn't even noticed Caiwei walking up to his side.

Hearing Caiwei's voice, Zhao Zilong gradually snapped out of it, feeling more than a little embarrassed.

"Miss Caiwei, good morning."

Zhao Zilong naturally couldn't answer her question.

Even though the Princess and Caiwei were very polite to him now, she was a princess after all. If he offended her and she truly became angry and wanted to punish him, he would have no way to resist.

A First-Grade Martial Artist was still nothing much in the grand scheme of things.

The extent to which his small contribution would help also depended on the person he was dealing with.

"Not answering is an admission that the Princess is beautiful."

Caiwei gave a faint smile and didn't press the matter further.

She already admired Zhao Zilong quite a bit.

Princess Zhu Yunxi stopped her sword dance and sheathed the blade. She raised her sleeve to lightly dab the sweat from her forehead, and noticing Zhao Zilong's arrival, she walked over.

Caiwei went forward to take the sword from her.

"Mr. Zhao, good morning."

Princess Zhu Yunxi had a faint smile on her face.

Although the Emperor might not necessarily adopt Zhao Zilong's plan to defeat the enemy, regardless of the outcome, she saw hope. Her mood was considerably lighter than before.

"Your humble servant greets the Princess."

Zhao Zilong bowed, not daring to be too casual.

"Mr. Zhao, there's no need to be so formal. You can dispense with these social etiquettes in the future."

Princess Zhu Yunxi said amiably.

Zhao Zilong nodded slightly; he really didn't enjoy bowing to others.

"Mr. Zhao, I'll have to trouble you again today to help me organize the books and pack them into crates."

Princess Zhu Yunxi continued, "As for Talented Scholar Song's poetry collection, if Mr. Zhao is unwilling to organize it, you may leave it be. I will organize it myself later so as not to offend Mr. Zhao's eyes."

"Princess, I am not a stubborn or narrow-minded man. If Song Qiubai's poems are truly good, I will not hold a prejudice against them."

Zhao Zilong was afraid Princess Zhu Yunxi would mistake him for an old fogey.

After all, he was already forty, while Princess Zhu Yunxi was only in her twenties.

There was a gap of more than ten years between them.

"I understand your meaning, Mr. Zhao. Moreover, after seeing your poetry yesterday, I truly feel that Talented Scholar Song's poems are far inferior."

Princess Zhu Yunxi looked at Zhao Zilong with a serious expression and eyes full of expectation, saying, "Mr. Zhao, could you please try to compose more poems for me to read in the future? With your poetry, even if I am eventually married off to the Northern Barbarians, I will have a little less misery."

"That's right, Mr. Zhao. Yesterday, the Princess kept reading that poem you wrote for her until very late. If I hadn't urged her to go to bed early, I'm afraid she would have stayed up all night."

Caiwei pursed her lips, appearing somewhat helpless regarding the Princess.

"If the Princess does not mind, I will do my best to compose some poems for your appreciation."

Zhao Zilong accepted the request.

Princess Zhu Yunxi nodded slightly, very happy that he had agreed.

"Mr. Zhao, let us go to the Library."

She started to walk but was surprised to see that Zhao Zilong hadn't moved.

"Mr. Zhao, what is it?"

Caiwei was also surprised.

Zhao Zilong said, "Princess, I have an urgent matter to report to you."

"Let's speak in the Library."

Princess Zhu Yunxi saw Zhao Zilong's solemn expression and feared something important had happened.

The three of them entered the Library.

Princess Zhu Yunxi motioned for Zhao Zilong to take a seat, but he was in no mood to sit; he had to save Zhao Xiaotian as quickly as possible.

"Mr. Zhao, what is this urgent matter? You may speak now."

Princess Zhu Yunxi's expression also became slightly solemn, influenced by Zhao Zilong.

Zhao Zilong said, "Princess, my son Xiaotian is in danger. I beg the Princess to save him."

"Who would target the son of Mr. Zhao?"

Princess Zhu Yunxi couldn't help but be shocked.

Zhao Zilong immediately recounted how the woman from the Remnants of the Previous Dynasty had appeared at his home last night.

He didn't hide anything.

"Princess, it is all due to my incompetence that I could not strike and detain that person. I must trouble the Princess for help; I am truly ashamed."

"You are not to blame for this, Mr. Zhao. The Remnants of the Previous Dynasty have plagued Daye for years, and even the Fuzheng Division, which the court specifically established, has no solution. You are but a civil clerk; it is only natural that you could do nothing."

Princess Zhu Yunxi continued, "Rest assured, Mr. Zhao, I will certainly not sit by and do nothing. But what are your thoughts on this matter?"

Zhao Zilong was momentarily stunned by her question.

Princess Zhu Yunxi said, "Mr. Zhao, I mean to ask if you have any good ideas to use this incident to deal with the Remnants of the Previous Dynasty?"

At the moment, Zhao Zilong really didn't have any clever plans. He only wanted to rescue Zhao Xiaotian quickly and didn't want the boy to face any danger.

Zhao Zilong replied, "To the Princess, my mind is in turmoil right now, and I cannot think of any plan for the time being. I only wish to rescue my son Xiaotian as soon as possible."

"In that case, I will send men to your residence to rescue Zhao Xiaotian."

Princess Zhu Yunxi spoke with an air of authority.

"Thank you, Princess."

Zhao Zilong thanked her sincerely.

By the time Zhao Zilong left the Princesss Residence, seven or eight people were following him.

The leader among them was named Xu Wei, who was actually a Fifth-Grade Martial Artist.

Even though Xu Wei didn't intentionally show off while walking beside Zhao Zilong, Zhao Zilong could feel the powerful blood and qi radiating from him.

With someone as strong as Xu Wei accompanying him, Zhao Zilong felt much more at ease.

However, when Zhao Zilong brought Xu Wei and the others back home, Zhao Xiaotian was nowhere to be found.

"Mr. Zhao, could your son have gone out on his own?"

Xu Wei had his men search every corner of the house and the courtyard, but there was no sign of Zhao Xiaotian.

"No, when I left this morning, there were people monitoring the courtyard from outside. Xiaotian wouldn't have been able to leave on his own."

Zhao Zilong knew those people wouldn't let Zhao Xiaotian just leave as he pleased.

"Commander, there's a letter."

One of Xu Wei's subordinates found a letter and brought it over.

Xu Wei motioned for him to give it to Zhao Zilong.

Zhao Zilong took it and opened it. Instantly, his face darkened.

Xu Wei snatched the letter from Zhao Zilong's hand. After reading it, his expression also changed.

"These Remnants of the Previous Dynasty have some nerve—threatening an official and daring to kidnap an official's family member. They deserve to be killed."

Xu Wei was furious.

Zhao Zilong's brow was deeply furrowed. Zhao Xiaotian was gone, and now he had received a letter telling him to go to a ruined temple on the outskirts of the city tonight. This was clearly targeting him.

Although Xu Wei was angry and claimed it was the work of the Remnants of the Previous Dynasty...

...Zhao Zilong didn't think so now.

If that woman from the previous dynasty really wanted to kidnap Zhao Xiaotian to threaten him, she would have done it last night. There was no need to do it in broad daylight—wouldn't that be redundant?

As for whether it was because they knew he had informed the Princess, that woman wasn't a deity; she couldn't possibly have foreknowledge.

Furthermore, when Zhao Zilong had just returned with Xu Wei, he clearly noticed that the people watching from outside the courtyard this morning were still there.

If they had already kidnapped Zhao Xiaotian, there would be no point in them still watching this place.

"It seems the ones who kidnapped Xiaotian aren't from the previous dynasty, but another group. But who?"

Zhao Zilong thought about who he had offended recently and who might kidnap Zhao Xiaotian to threaten him. After thinking it over, he realized Cao Yun was the most likely suspect.

"It's definitely Cao Yun, no doubt about it."

Coldness flickered in Zhao Zilong's eyes.

"Cao Yun, I didn't know how to deal with you before, but you've walked right into my trap. If I don't kill you this time, I'll at least make sure you lose your official position."

"Mr. Zhao, follow me back to the residence. We must report this to the Princess before making further plans."

Xu Wei spoke.

Zhao Zilong said, "Commander Xu, you must save my son. You mustn't let him die at the hands of the Remnants of the Previous Dynasty."

"Don't worry, Mr. Zhao. Let's return to the residence first."

Zhao Zilong followed Xu Wei back to the Princesss Residence.

Xu Wei reported the matter to Princess Zhu Yunxi. After reading the letter, her face turned very grim.

Zhao Zilong said, "Princess, I never thought the Remnants of the Previous Dynasty would be so depraved as to not even spare ordinary people like myself and Xiaotian. I beg the Princess to save my son. I will kowtow to the Princess."

As Zhao Zilong spoke, he prepared to kneel.

Princess Zhu Yunxi hurried forward to help Zhao Zilong up.

"Don't be anxious, Mr. Zhao. I will definitely rescue your son."

Princess Zhu Yunxi looked at Zhao Zilong and asked, "Mr. Zhao, do you have any safe way to handle this?"

Although Zhao Zilong was worried about Zhao Xiaotian, his mind was not in turmoil at this moment.

It was all an act.

He had been waiting for the Princess to say those words.

If this matter were left to him, he could use the opportunity to deal with Cao Yun. Even if he didn't kill the man, he wouldn't let him off easy.

"Princess, I boldly ask the Princess to send Commander Xu to assist me."

"Oh? Has Mr. Zhao thought of a way?"

Princess Zhu Yunxi was slightly surprised.

Zhao Zilong said, "I haven't thought it through completely yet, but as long as the Princess has Commander Xu assist me, I believe it won't be difficult to rescue Xiaotian. Moreover, there might be a chance to wipe out these Remnants of the Previous Dynasty in one fell swoop."

"If that's truly the case, Mr. Zhao will have performed a great service."

Princess Zhu Yunxi said slowly, "Commander Xu, for today's operation, you are to follow Mr. Zhao's orders in everything. You must rescue the boy."

"Yes, Princess."

Xu Wei responded solemnly.

If they could kill some Remnants of the Previous Dynasty this time, not only would it help Zhao Zilong rescue his son, but it would also count as a merit. It was a good thing.

That night, Zhao Zilong and Xu Wei led over a dozen of the Princess's guards to the ruined temple on the outskirts of the city.

The bright moon hung high, illuminating the world.

Inside the ruined temple were seven or eight men, each holding a saber and standing on either side.

Cao Yun and Jin Rong stood in the center of the temple.

Triumphant looks were on their faces; after tonight, a person like Zhao Zilong would no longer exist in this world.

They would kill Zhao Zilong here and bury him somewhere; no one would be any the wiser.

No one would care about Zhao Zilong's life or death, and the matter would soon blow over.

Zhao Xiaotian was tied to a pillar, his mouth gagged, his eyes filled with terror.

"Young Master Cao, that Zhao Lao Si wouldn't just not show up, would he?"

One of the subordinates was getting impatient and couldn't help asking.

Cao Yun looked at Jin Rong. Jin Rong was also a bit uncertain and couldn't be sure if Zhao Zilong would really come. She said, "Young Master Cao, it's not time yet. Let's just wait a bit longer."

As soon as she finished speaking, someone ran in from outside the temple holding a saber.

"Young Master Cao, Zhao Lao Si is here."

"Did he bring anyone?"

Cao Yun asked.

The subordinate said, "He's alone, but he's carrying a saber."

"It wouldn't matter if he brought ten sabers."

Cao Yun knew Zhao Zilong was a First-Grade Martial Artist with some skill. To deal with him, he had brought along a Second-Grade Martial Artist.

As long as Zhao Zilong came, he was dead for sure; there was no way out.

"Jin Rong, you really do know Zhao Zilong best. He actually came."

Cao Yun had a smug smile on his face.

Jin Rong said, "We were husband and wife for three years; naturally I know what kind of person he is. Young Master Cao, you absolutely cannot let Zhao Zilong go this time. Otherwise, if he stays alive, there's no guarantee he won't seek revenge if he succeeds in the future."

"Don't worry, as long as he's here, he won't survive. Of course, this little brat has to die too."

Cao Yun gave a cold glance at Zhao Xiaotian, who was tied to the pillar.

Jin Rong also glanced over, but without any sympathy, only intense coldness.

The door of the ruined temple was pushed open, and Zhao Zilong walked in.