Hidden Shadow – CH 333

Chapter Three-Hundred-Thirty-Three: Near Death

This matter truly wronged Chu Dingjiang. He had not intentionally brainwashed An Jiu; it was entirely a subconscious act. Now that it was pointed out, he did not deny it.

“How’s your physical recovery?” Chu Dingjiang asked.

Mental injuries to the body were difficult to heal, but An Jiu did not feel any discomfort. “I am fine. It should not affect normal combat. I heard Elder Zhi has sided with the Crown Prince?”

Chu Dingjiang said, “It seems so at the moment.”

An Jiu paused, raising an eyebrow at him. “Does the Second Prince have other Transcendent Realm experts by his side?”

Chu Dingjiang shook his head.

“So you plan to deal with two Transcendent Realm experts by yourself?” An Jiu felt that Chu Dingjiang was a completely different man from her father, which was why she had gradually accepted him. However, now she felt that it was not good for him to silently bear everything alone. “Are you in such a hurry to die?”

“Nonsense. Since I cannot fight them head-on, I will outsmart them. Strong martial arts do not mean being without weaknesses.” Chu Dingjiang was in a good mood at seeing her angry expression.

“Chu Dingjiang, I have a question for you,” An Jiu said. Seeing her serious expression, Chu Dingjiang also asked earnestly, “What is it?”

“You said the Second Prince is not suitable to be Emperor yet. Since that’s the case, and you have medicine, why not use it to prolong the Emperor’s life?” An Jiu tilted her head back, as if trying to see his expression through his hood.

Chu Dingjiang had not expected her to ask about this. He remained silent for a moment before saying, “If it were before, I would not have even considered it. I would have directly used the medicine to prolong the Emperor’s life. Before I met you, I thought Heaven had given me a second chance so I could continue to contribute to unifying the land. I thought only a desperate battle would make my life worthwhile. But now my thoughts have changed.”

An Jiu did not speak, waiting for him to continue.

“Even if you have to fight for this your whole life, you have to leave yourself a bottom line.” Chu Dingjiang reached out and pulled her into his arms, his deep voice close to her ear. “If a person has no feelings, then they’ve lived in vain.”

There was a greedy element in human nature; constantly gaining yet never satisfied, even those at the pinnacle of power still felt they lacked many things. From the moment we were born, we were all given gifts by heaven and earth. Some greedily seized power, money, and beauty, enjoying a lifetime of wealth and luxury, yet ultimately felt they had gained nothing, dying with endless regret and loneliness.

In truth, what people needed most was companionship. Having someone to grow old with did not guarantee contentment. But without that person, the end would surely be filled with regret.

This was the truth Chu Dingjiang had come to understand.

No matter how earth-shattering his achievements, he hoped An Jiu would always be within his sight.

“I do not understand.” Although An Jiu had also experienced life and death, her experiences were different, making it difficult for her to have any profound insights into life. Besides, she was too lazy to think about it so much. If she were as thoughtful about life as Chu Dingjiang, she would not be so lost until now, only now realizing what she wanted.

However, simple thinking had its advantages. Once she set her goal, she ignored all obstacles and headed straight towards it.

“Little girl, you do not need to understand these things,” Chu Dingjiang said, releasing her.

An Jiu frowned, then steered the conversation back to the previous topic. “Then how do you suggest we outsmart him? That Elder Zhi is cunning and shrewd, just as cunning as you.”

Chu Dingjiang leaned slightly forward. He whispered, “The Mei family might not be willing to support the Crown Prince; that’s the key.”

Why would the Mei family not support the Crown Prince? An Jiu knew nothing about court politics and was unaware of many things. She could not understand the reason, so she simply stopped thinking about it and patted Chu Dingjiang’s shoulder. “Then it is up to you.”

“Let’s go.” Chu Dingjiang took her hand.

The two returned side by side.

The Second Prince was carefully studying a map of the capital city at his desk, holding a steaming cup of tea.

This map was already imprinted in his mind; with his eyes closed, every detail was crystal clear.

“Your Highness,” Chu Dingjiang bowed respectfully.

An Jiu followed suit.

“No need for formalities.” The Second Prince put down his teacup and looked up at the two of them.

Chu Dingjiang raised his head. “My Young Lady is worried about me and insists on coming along. I hope Your Highness will grant her permission.”

He said this because he did not want the Second Prince to directly bring An Jiu under his command. After all, there was a difference in status between a subordinate and his wife.

“You two are such a loving couple; it is truly enviable!” The Second Prince had not thought much of it at the moment, but he welcomed An Jiu’s arrival warmly. “Whatever the reason for Madam Chu’s willingness to help, Zhao Huo will remember this kindness.”

“Your Highness is too kind,” Chu Dingjiang said.

An Jiu carefully observed the Second Prince for a few moments. After all, if successful, he would be the future Emperor.

The Second Prince had not expected this woman to be so bold, staring directly at him without any hesitation. He was not annoyed but rather met her gaze openly.

In the dim candlelight, a pair of emotionless, dark eyes was devoid of emotion or murderous intent, yet their gaze felt tangible. The Second Prince felt as if he had one foot in the gates of hell! He needed to muster considerable composure to remain seated.

An Jiu, completely unaware of her own strength, looked away after she had seen enough.

The Second Prince secretly breathed a sigh of relief, his expression remaining unchanged.

Chu Dingjiang, with his keen observation, could not help but probe An Jiu with his mental power.

An Jiu glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

Chu Dingjiang quickly withdrew his mental power. Just as he had expected, An Jiu’s mental power had improved again.

After the two took their leave and came out of the house, An Jiu asked him, “Why were you probing me just now?”

“Your mental power has suddenly advanced again,” Chu Dingjiang was puzzled. “Why?”

“Is it strange that this happens to a genius?” An Jiu asked seriously.

Chu Dingjiang laughed twice.

An Jiu was displeased. “You do not believe me? Countless facts prove that the vast majority of mentally ill patients possess extraordinary talent in a certain field.”

“In what area does your talent manifest?” Chu Dingjiang asked with a smile.

An Jiu told him firmly and earnestly, “In every aspect.”

Chu Dingjiang could not help but want to laugh at her serious expression, but fearing he would annoy her, he suppressed his laughter. “Thank you for your guidance, genius.”

An Jiu turned her face away in displeasure. “Do not think I do not know what you are thinking.”

The night was hazy.

Amidst the tolling of funeral bells, the entire city of Bianjing felt uneasy.

A carriage stopped in a ruin in the west of the city. Two burly men dragged a bound woman out of the carriage and threw her into the grass.

The woman groaned and struggled violently. Such an ordeal might have caused terror and despair in others, but in her phoenix eyes, all those emotions transformed into anger and sorrow.