Hidden Shadow – CH 312

Chapter Three-Hundred-Twelve: Tracking

Chu Dingjiang shook his head slightly. “I observe that the Second Prince is stubborn. If I were to serve as his advisor, he might not be able to follow my every word. Therefore, I will remain hidden in the shadows, guiding him at crucial moments.”

If he were to become the Second Prince’s subordinate, he would have to treat him with utmost respect in everything, never overstepping his bounds. If the Second Prince made a wrong decision and Chu Dingjiang could not effectively stop it, even with a thousand schemes, it would be difficult to guarantee a successful turnaround every time. In comparison, maintaining secrecy was far more advantageous.

People were prone to doubt and fear of the unknown. Chu Dingjiang’s decision to rescue the Second Prince in his most perilous moment and then gradually build his standing in his heart was far more prudent than joining the Prince’s inner circle from the outset.

An Jiu, unaware of his true intentions, said, “If you do this, would it not be even easier for him to discard you once he’s ascended the throne?”

“You used the right words,” Chu Dingjiang chuckled. “It’s truly remarkable!”

He paused, then said, “Do not worry, I have my own plans. If nothing unexpected happens, we can even go herding sheep together in the future.”

An Jiu looked at his face, clearly very young, yet his eyes held a world-weary look, and her heart softened. “What can I do for you?”

“Take good care of yourself,” Chu Dingjiang said.

Chu Dingjiang had experienced the countless wars of the Warring States period, the gradual annexation and destruction, and the suffering of countless people ravaged by war. But he had never underestimated the internal power struggles within the imperial court; for a strategist, they could be even more dangerous than plotting against other nations. Even having lived two lives, he dared not say he would ultimately retire unscathed.

“Ah Jiu, following me is destined to be fraught with danger…”

An Jiu interrupted him, “Even without you, my life is not much better. You go ahead and do your work; I have things to do, too.”

These words were blunt, but Chu Dingjiang was used to it and simply smiled, “As long as you live, that’s more important than anything else.”

“That’s not necessarily true,” An Jiu said, looking at him. “You never promised me you would survive, and I cannot promise you either.”

In the past, snipers comparable to An Jiu’s skill were extremely rare. She had long stood at the top, and even though she was wanted by various countries, she always believed she could survive. Yet, in the end, she still died in a sniping mission that was not particularly dangerous.

The most unpredictable thing in life was death.

Even those doing honest work could not guarantee they would not suddenly fall ill and die one day.

Chu Dingjiang smiled helplessly, but instead of making a promise, he reached out and hugged her, sighing softly, “Ah Jiu, I missed you.”

An Jiu’s lingering longing was instantly rekindled, yet for some reason, she could not express it as naturally as he did.

Her lips parted slightly, then tightened again after a long pause.

The two embraced under the tree for a long time before Chu Dingjiang finally released her, leading her to the small boat. “Look what I brought you.”

Two baskets were placed on the boat, filled with a slaughtered suckling pig and chestnuts.

Da Jiu had been squatting at the ferry landing, swallowing hard, its eyes fixed on the baskets. Seeing Chu Dingjiang and An Jiu approach, its tail swept across the ground, causing the Dream Flower petals it touched to release even more mist.

Chu Dingjiang turned his head and saw An Jiu also intently staring at the suckling pig. He happily picked up the basket. “Let’s go; let’s roast some meat.”

Ignored, Sheng Changying stood among the Dream Blossom flowers, holding a tree branch, his cheeks slightly flushed. Looking at the vast, misty lake, he thought to himself that Chu Dingjiang was indeed unrestrained, and An Jiu was no less so. The two of them could embrace so openly in broad daylight; it was truly…enviable.

As night fell, the mist in the plum blossom garden grew even thicker.

A man dressed in a wide blue robe stood on the lakeshore, gazing at the distant water. Behind him stood seven or eight black-clad men. These men were not burly giants but rather varied in height and build, seemingly of different shapes and sizes. However, the murderous aura they exuded was chilling; just standing there silently gave one a suffocating feeling of facing death.

“Master Wei, what should we do?” one of the black-clad men broke the silence.

After a long silence, Wei Yuzhi finally spoke, “Wait.”

The man frowned. “Please enlighten me, My Lord.”

“You are all masters among masters, but even if you all attacked together, I am afraid you could not withstand that person.” Wei Yuzhi’s eyes were dark, like a still, deep well. “Do you not know how much effort I expended to conceal your auras?”

“Could it be a Transcendent Realm expert?” The man’s tone suddenly became serious.

“Yes, now, apart from a eunuch in the palace, no one in the Great Song can rival him.” Wei Yuzhi’s hand, hidden in his sleeve, twitched slightly. “Unless Ghost Tigers and I fight to the death together.”

If it were a Transcendent Realm expert, Wei Yuzhi would not be so alarmist. Ghost Tiger suppressed his impatience and said sincerely, “But the medicine person’s heart’s blood has been in someone else’s hands for quite some time. If we do not act quickly, I am afraid…”

“I’ve already found a way to reveal the secret of the heart’s blood to the Emperor of the Great Song. To reclaim the blood this time, we still need his help!” Wei Yuzhi’s fingers paused in his sleeve, his hands clasped together, his eyes growing colder and darker. “I heard that the Transcendent Realm expert is also a high-ranking official in the Konghe Army.”