After getting everything ready, Xu Tangran bids farewell to his wife, Xue Linglong, and officially leaves the Zongzhen Mansion and the Ghost City. He embarks on the road to recruit people for the Juxian Hall.
Things on Murong Xinghua's side were also handled very smoothly. Just like what she said, no one wanted to see her stay there. Cao Wanxiang was stuck between Madam and the ex-madam, and when Cao Wanxiang's wife heard that Murong Xinghua was going to the Ghost City, a place that didn't see the light of day, she couldn't wait for Murong Xinghua to get lost. She personally came forward to make arrangements and very quickly, she kicked Murong Xinghua out.
Miao Yi wasn't in the limelight, not to mention that the Phantom City wasn't a good place to begin with. Murong Xinghua came to the Phantom City all by himself, without even a single subordinate following him.
Since Murong Xinghua had settled everything, there was nothing for Miao Yi to trouble himself with. He kept his promise and temporarily kept Murong Xinghua's current rank — Vice Grand Commander! Future matters could be discussed in the future. It was impossible for them to promote Murong Xinghua for no reason.
Before Murong Xinghua came, he humbly asked Xu Tangran for advice. After all, he hadn't been with Miao Yi for many years, so he didn't know much about him. Xu Tangran hinted that as long as Yun Zhiqiu was taken care of, there shouldn't be any major problems on the master's side.
Regarding this point, Murong Xing Hua also took it for granted. Didn't Sir fight in Youding Region because of Madam?
Moreover, she knew that Yun Zhiqiu still lacked an official to communicate with her superiors. Anyone with a brain would know that this position would be very important both now and in the future. As a woman, she had a unique advantage. After all, it was inconvenient for other men to interact with Yun Zhiqiu all the time. After all, there was a difference between men and women. Therefore, when she arrived at the headquarters, she immediately found her position and took the initiative to assume this role without hesitation.
Yun Zhiqiu was quite satisfied with this, and Miao Yi was also secretly impressed. Yun Zhiqiu was indeed lacking someone like this by her side. However, whether or not Murong Xinghua would be able to gain Yun Zhiqiu's trust would still depend on his own performance.
However, when Murong Xinghua returned to the Phantom City's Main Town Manor and officially took up his post, he realized that Miao Yi was a little different from before. He gradually became a drunkard, and his temper slowly became irritable. He often beat and scolded his subordinates. Occasionally, he would take the people of the Zongzhen Mansion to drink in the restaurants of the Ghost City.
How could this be? Murong Xinghua was slightly worried. This was different from the Niu Youde she knew.
On this day, Yun Zhiqiu was leading a group of women past the entrance of the built-in garden in the governor's manor when she caught a whiff of the strong scent of alcohol. Her brows furrowed reflexively as she turned around and led the group into the garden.
There were all kinds of fluorescent plants in the garden. In one of the pavilions in the center, someone was sitting alone, drinking wine. The person who was pouring wine for him was none other than Miao Yi. He was completely drunk, and didn't seem to be using any arts to dispel the effects of the wine.
Murong Xinghua, who was accompanying them, observed the reactions of the crowd. Yun Zhiqiu's expression was solemn, while the rest of the crowd remained silent with worried expressions on their faces.
Yun Zhiqiu tilted her head and gestured to Fei Hong. Fei Hong walked over and gently took the wine cup from Miao Yi's hand. "Sir, don't drink anymore."
"Pa!" Unexpectedly, Miao Yi casually slapped her across the face. The sound was loud and clear, and Fei Hong fell to the ground, covering her face with her hands. Miao Yi pointed at her and bellowed, "What right do you, an entertainer, have to control me? Get lost!"
The slap and the rebuke made everyone's hearts race. This was the first time they had seen Miao Yi lay his hands on his own woman.
In the garden, the guards sent by the Kou family exchanged glances.
Yun Zhiqiu frowned deeply. She waved her hand and gestured for Qian'Er and Xue'Er to help Fei Hong back first, then gestured for the others to leave. She then slowly walked into the pavilion and sat down. The crowd didn't know how she would persuade him.
Soon, news of Miao Yi spending his days drinking and even hitting his own concubine began to spread. In fact, there were already rumors that Miao Yi was living his days in alcoholism because of his bleak future.
In the newly built Kou King's Manor, the Kou family was the first to receive the news. After all, there were still members of the Kou family in the ghost market's governor's manor.
Kou Lingxu was silent for a while after hearing the news. In the end, he sighed and said, "He's still too young. He can't keep his composure and doesn't know that there's still a long way to go!"
He wasn't feeling sorry for Miao Yi, but for the fact that everyone in the world knew that the Kou family had already given up on Miao Yi. Even though he had Master Qing as an excuse to get out of this embarrassing situation, going back on his word was still a little embarrassing for him.
Tang Henian said, "This shows that he's a sensible person. After all, this time is different from the past. Everyone is ignoring him now, and no one will give him another chance. He probably guessed that he would be exiled to the ghost market for the rest of his life, and with the Pavilion of Trust and Justice there, he won't be able to do as he pleases. He has the ability, but there's no way out. It's understandable that his mentality has changed."
Kou Zheng shook his head slightly. "If he knew this would happen, he wouldn't have acted in the first place!"
In the newly built Guang Wang's Manor, Guang Mei 'er sighed when she heard the news. "To think that I thought so highly of him, yet he couldn't withstand any setbacks. How did he end up like this? Where did his manly spirit go? I still find it hard to believe."
Strolling beside her with his hands behind his back, Lord Guang chuckled and said, "This shows that he's not a fool. He knows that this time is different from the past. Don't think too much about it. If he can peacefully die of old age in the ghost market, it'll be his fortune. Many people want this peace, but they can't even think of it. If his mentality isn't right, then he's the one tormenting himself. He can't blame anyone else. "
Zhan Family, Heavenly Consort Zhan Ruyi's maiden home. The Heavenly Consort's specially expanded courtyard was luxurious and quiet. Zhan Ruyi leaned against the railing and stared at the fish in the pond, lost in thought.
"That Niu Youde probably didn't expect this day to come when he joined Heavenly King Kou's side."
"If I had to say, he deserves it. He's useless, so he vented his anger on his concubine. What kind of ability is that?"
Silver Frost and White Snow were chattering nonstop at the side, crying out for Fei Hong's injustice. Of course, there was a reason for this. From a certain perspective, their master, Zhan Ruyi, was actually a concubine.
Zhan Ruyi's gaze slowly moved downwards, staring at his own reflection in the water. From beginning to end, he did not make a sound.
In the Heavenly Palace, after Master Qing heard the news, he asked the Left Department of the Supervisory Department to confirm whether or not Niu Youde had really made a move on his concubine. After learning that it was indeed the case, he gave an evaluation. "You may know a person for a long time, but you don't know his heart. It turns out that he was having quite a good time, but it turns out that it was only because he couldn't afford to lose. With such a temperament, it seems that he is indeed not worthy of being put in an important position. Pojun even said that it's a pity to miss out on this kid. You should tell him about this and ask him if he still feels that it's a pity. "
Beside him, Sima Wentian chuckled. He felt that it was a pity, not because of Miao Yi, but because such a good chess piece like Fei Hong was placed in the wrong place. It was wasted by a pig, unable to display its value.
In the Loyalty Pavilion, Cao Man pondered for a long time after hearing the news. From time to time, he would order Qi Jue to gather more information.
After passing on the message a few times, Seven Absolutes saw that Cao Man seemed to be very concerned about this matter, so he finally couldn't help but ask, "The news that the outside inquires are after all just rumors. If Boss wants to know the real situation in the Main Town Manor, then you can go to the Main Town Manor. This old servant can personally go to the headquarters to check on Niu Youde's condition. "
"Haha! If he's trying to hide something, it'll be hard for you to find out the truth even if you go in. There's no smoke without fire! " Cao Man waved her hand and slowly walked to the window. She lowered her head and muttered, "What depression? What drinking? Those who don't know the truth might really think that the bastard is worried about his future. What a joke! Not to mention what kind of person he used to be, the most important thing is that he clearly has the Six Paths as his backing. Why would he care so much about his future in the Heaven Court? I wonder what he's up to by doing this. This is what I don't understand. "
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, two years had passed. During this period of time, Miao Yi's negative side had almost become a reality in the eyes of the outside world.
Xue Linglong was originally very worried about this. A snake couldn't live without a head. Niu Youde was the leader of the group. If something happened to him, even her husband, Xu Tangran, would be affected. Because of this, she constantly informed Xu Tangran about Miao Yi's condition and often expressed her worries to him. Xu Tangran also couldn't figure out what Miao Yi was up to. In short, he repeatedly told Xue Linglong, 'I've been with that person for so many years. I know that person's character too well. He doesn't look like someone who would be depressed no matter how you look at it. That person isn't easy to deal with. I'm afraid there's something fishy going on. If we can't figure it out, we should just do our best and not get involved. '
But then again, Miao Yi's reputation had increased the difficulty of recruiting people for Xu Tangran's Virtuous Assembly Hall. Outsiders would naturally think, 'Serving such a person?'
At this time, another famous matter was gradually becoming familiar to everyone. Xiahou Tianweng's 500,000th birthday, the Celestial Emperor and Empress were going to the Imperial Garden to celebrate his birthday.
As the big day approached, Miao Yi, who often lost his temper at Fei Hong, finally couldn't control himself anymore. He publicly announced that he would divorce Fei Hong in the headquarters. Fortunately, Yun Zhiqiu stopped him.
After that, for some unknown reason, Miao Yi and Fei Hong disappeared from the phantom market's headquarters.
It wasn't until the two of them appeared in a galaxy near the Heavenly Palace for investigation that their whereabouts were exposed. Only then did the news reach the Pavilion of Loyalty.
"What? He went to the Imperial Garden? " Cao Man was stunned when he heard the news. He quickly stood up from behind the long table. "The Old Master's birthday is approaching. That bastard has been playing the fool for so long. What's the meaning of him suddenly appearing in the Imperial Garden?" He quickly took out the Star Bell and contacted the Xiahou family.
It was Xiahou Ta's birthday, but as his son, he couldn't show up in public to celebrate. However, he couldn't allow any trouble to happen at his father's birthday either. Niu Youde was used to causing trouble. Moreover, he had long suspected that Miao Yi was playing the fool for some reason. Now that he suddenly left the phantom market and appeared in the Imperial Garden, he had to be on guard. To be safe, he had to ask the Xiahou family to make preparations.
Xiahou Tianweng's manor. Inside the forbidden garden, Xiahou Ta sat cross-legged under a towering tree, listening to Wei Shu's report.
After listening, he calmly replied, "I understand."
Wei Shu saw that he wasn't moved, so he added, "Third Master's suggestion is for us to immediately inform the Heavenly Palace and have the Empress find a way to chase Niu Youde out of the Imperial Garden. This is to prevent any accidents from happening at the Old Master's birthday banquet."
"Sigh. I'm worrying too much." Xiahou Ta slowly opened his eyes and shook his head. "It's just a birthday banquet for the old fool. After so many years of suffering, is there still a need for me to be in the limelight? It was Qing Zhu who wanted to boost his reputation by creating such a huge ruckus. If someone wanted to make a ruckus, then go ahead. How could Niu Youde create such a huge ruckus at the birthday banquet? Unless there were other people who jumped out to help him, it would be interesting. Haven't we always wanted to find out who's pulling the strings? Unfortunately, the other party is too well-hidden. If we can really expose the true intentions of the mastermind because of a birthday banquet, then it will be worth it. Send a message to Old Third. There's no need to make a fuss. The sky won't fall. We know what we're doing. "
"Understood!" Wei Shu acknowledged and replied with the starbell in his hand.
"Niu Youde went to the Imperial Garden?" Kou Lingxu, who was in the Kou Heavenly King's manor, was taken aback when he heard the news.
"Niu Youde appeared at the Imperial Garden?" Ying Jiuguang, who was sitting by a chessboard and playing chess in King Ying Tian's manor, couldn't help but raise his head when he heard the news.
"Why would Niu Youde appear at the Imperial Garden?" Hao Defang, who was dealing with official business in King Hao's manor, was shocked. She asked Su Yun, "Did the Kou family bring him in?"
"The Imperial Garden? How did he enter the Imperial Garden? The Kou family wouldn't go so far as to break their promise, would they? "Duke Guang asked in surprise.
After Miao Yi publicly appeared at the Imperial Garden, some of the higher-ups in the Heavenly Court received the news almost at the same time.
In the Imperial Garden, there was a green sea of towering trees, called the Green Central Garden. It was where Granny Lu usually stayed.
There were only a few thatched cottages here. There weren't any richly ornamented buildings. Most of the houses were hollows in the trees, and the surroundings were lush and elegant. Being here, one's body and mind seemed to be brimming with vitality.
Under a huge old tree, Miao Yi and Fei Hong bowed to Granny Lu together.
Leaning on her walking stick, Granny Lu looked at the two of them with a complicated expression. She knew that Fei Hong was a spy from the Left Division of the Overseers. Miao Yi wanting to divorce Fei Hong was actually a good thing for Miao Yi. However, she still wanted to play matchmaker. She didn't know if she was helping or harming the two of them.
Miao Yi wanted to divorce Fei Hong, but Fei Hong still had her family in name. If her family was so weak that they couldn't even speak in front of the young master, then they could only let the young master do whatever he wanted. Otherwise, no matter who it was, they would demand an explanation. Miao Yi wouldn't be able to marry her or divorce her as he pleased.
"Since you want to divorce my daughter, I won't invite you in. Let's make things clear today." Granny Lu slammed her walking stick on the ground. With a deep voice, she reached out and beckoned Fei Hong over. She caressed Fei Hong's head. Fei Hong lowered her head and bit her lip, not saying a word.
Granny Lu actually didn't want to get involved in this matter anymore. However, the Left Division of the Overseers had asked her to do her best to mediate. However, the attitude of the Left Division of the Overseers was a little ambiguous. It seemed like they didn't want to force the issue. They would mediate if they could, but if they couldn't, and Miao Yi insisted on divorcing her, then they would just let him be.
Unexpectedly, after a moment of hesitation, Miao Yi cupped his fists and said, "On the way here, I have reflected on myself. Fei Hong didn't do anything wrong. It's just that my mental state has been a little problematic recently. Niu Youde apologizes for his inappropriate behavior towards Fei Hong and promises that he won't do it again. I take back my words from before and beg for Granny and Fei Hong's forgiveness! "
"..." Granny Lu was stunned. The words she had prepared to mediate were all stuck in her stomach. She didn't expect Miao Yi to admit his mistake the moment they met.
Naturally, there was a reason why Miao Yi was so decisive in reflecting on himself. When Fei Hong reported the situation to the Left Division of the Overseers, she also noticed that the Left Division of the Overseers no longer placed as much importance on Miao Yi as before. They would reconcile if they could, but if they couldn't, they would send Fei Hong back to the Left Division of the Overseers for other uses.
Naturally, Miao Yi understood that he was gradually losing his value. The higher-ups had the intention of banishing him, so there was no need for them to invest in him anymore. If he put on an act, and Granny Lu really agreed, then he would really be overreaching himself. He would probably be immediately chased out of the Imperial Garden, which would be detrimental to his future plans. Thus, he realized his mistake the moment they met.
After being mute for a while, Granny Lu was truly speechless. Suddenly, she flicked her sleeves and produced a green vine whip. She whipped it on Miao Yi's body and scolded him at the same time, "You're venting your anger on your own woman when you're in a bad mood, and you even dare to hit me. What kind of man are you …"
Miao Yi could only endure it. He stood there unmoving and took the blows. His clothes were torn to shreds by the whip, and his body was covered in bloody wounds.
Granny Lu and Fei Hong had lived together for a period of time in the Green Central Garden. It was when Miao Yi was banished to the Ancient Desolate Wastelands. The two of them had been together for over a thousand years.
After roughly guessing the reason why Fei Hong was a spy, Granny Lu actually felt pity for her. She felt that this girl had a hard life. Regardless of whether she was a spy from the Left Division of the Overseers or not, if Miao Yi continued to bully her in the future, then she felt that it would be better for Fei Hong to return to the Left Division of the Overseers as soon as possible. This round of whipping was to see Miao Yi's reaction. If Miao Yi couldn't even endure this, then why would she believe that Miao Yi would treat Fei Hong kindly in the future? She might as well break it off as soon as possible.
Seeing the afterimages of the whip flying on Miao Yi's body, Fei Hong finally couldn't stand it anymore. She hurriedly grabbed Granny Lu's arm and said, "Godmother, he already knows his mistake. Please spare him."
Granny Lu's whip shook in the air, and the green vine afterimages abruptly retracted into her sleeve. With a 'dong', she struck her crutch once again and said, "Niu Youde, let me ask you. Are you truly repentant?"
Miao Yi, whose clothes were in tatters and body was covered in bloody wounds, leaned towards Fei Hong. With a sincere expression, he cupped his fists and bowed deeply, "I am truly repentant. Please forgive me. I will never do it again!"
Granny Lu then looked at Fei Hong and asked, "Are you willing to reconcile with him?"
Fei Hong bit her lip and stared at Miao Yi. In the end, she nodded and walked forward to help the bowing Miao Yi up. There was a hint of worry in her eyes, as though she was asking if his injuries were serious.
What the hell was this? Granny Lu rolled her eyes. She had been the bad guy for nothing. She angrily turned around and floated back into the tree hole high up in the sky.
Fei Hong and Miao Yi exchanged glances. Fei Hong then turned around and chased after Granny Lu into the tree hole.
On the other hand, Miao Yi, who was covered in wounds and tattered clothes, stood motionless in place.
After waiting for a full four hours, when night had fallen, Fei Hong finally flew down from the tree hole. She quickly took out a cloak and wrapped it around Miao Yi. At the same time, she secretly transmitted an apology to him, "Granny Lu has already relented. She was the one who pulled me back and said that Milord should be punished to stand for a while longer."
This didn't matter. Compared to the sufferings he had experienced in the past, this was nothing. Miao Yi was only concerned about whether he could stay here for a while longer. He revealed an inquiring look.
Fei Hong nodded slightly, indicating that it was done.
PS: I'm not feeling well. I'll just make do with one chapter for today. Please forgive me.
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