Chapter 244: No Looking Back, Nor Daring To

When Shang Lu got up, there was no sign of Zhao Zhen inside the Taoist Temple.

He felt a bit lost about it, so he asked Mr. Chen about it.

Chen Changsheng said, “He had urgent business and so went ahead.”

“I see…”

Shang Lu thought for a moment, then decided not to dwell on it. Leaving was probably for the best. With the dangerous ambush before, leaving early meant avoiding more trouble.

Shang Lu walked over to the pavilion and sat down.

He then began telling Master Chen about the development of Western Xiao in recent years.

With Master’s help, some plans were carried out and slowly bore fruit. The chaos in Western Xiao gradually changed.

The differences between the Jing people and the Northern Desert Tribes also began to fade.

“Now they’re commonly called the Xiao people, showing the two groups are slowly mixing. Jing people have appeared in the Imperial Court, too. Though there was much criticism, this opposition is also lessening.”

“Perhaps in another ten years, the differences between the two groups will disappear completely.”

Shang Lu recounted everything achieved over the years, one by one, to Chen Changsheng, including the last visit where City Gods were appointed.

Actually, Chen Changsheng knew these things without needing to be told.

From the very first moment Shang Lu entered the temple, seeing the aura of the Son of Heaven surrounding him, it was clear Western Xiao had achieved unprecedented growth.

This wasn’t just about the people; it included military, farming, trade, education – every part was improving bit by bit.

Within a few years, the face of Western Xiao had changed.

Chen Changsheng said, “I must admit, I didn’t expect you to accomplish so much within just a few years. Each matter demanded overcoming strong opposition before it was settled. It’s clear you held firm under great pressure.”

Shang Lu smiled and said, “I haven’t been as reckless as I was back then all these years. Only after becoming emperor did I realize how hard this position truly is. Sitting on the Dragon Throne, only one part is truly myself; the other nine parts show lies and hiding what I think. Only by hiding my thoughts can I outplay the hundred officials at court.”

Chen Changsheng nodded, “You were put forward by others to take this position. Surely you faced hidden opposition while enforcing many policies.”

Hearing this, Shang Lu lowered his head and nodded. “Yes. I used… dirty means. Those years… many were killed.”

He took a deep breath. “There was no other way. Zhao Zhen loves war, loves to kill. He conquered Northern Mang in barely three years. If I hadn’t hurried, Western Xiao would likely have become his next target.”

“Now Western Xiao is much stronger. Combined with the Rebel Army growing within Da Xiang’s borders… that’s finally freed up the time for me to make this trip back.”

Chen Changsheng said with a smile, “Now you truly have the bearing of the Son of Heaven.”

At this, Shang Lu could only give a helpless smile. Then added honestly, “Great Master… I actually… kind of don’t want to be emperor anymore.”

Hearing this, Chen Changsheng asked, “Finding it too bothersome?”

Shang Lu said, “There are endless petitions to review every day. I can’t even find time to practice martial arts. The hundred officials are always pushing me to secure the succession to the throne. So many different things pile up on the desk. Just these short few years… I already feel tired.”

Chen Changsheng swept his sleeve lightly. A teacup appeared before Shang Lu.

He picked up the teapot and poured tea into it.

Feeling both honored and startled by the gesture, Shang Lu quickly took the cup.

Chen Changsheng said, “I cannot give you a definite answer. This is something only you can decide.”

Shang Lu sighed inwardly. He asked, “Great Master, if I truly stopped being emperor… what would happen to Western Xiao?”

“That depends on you.”

Chen Changsheng continued, “The world itself doesn’t fall apart just because there’s no emperor. What matters are the court and the people. If the officials are capable and win the hearts of the people, then just placing a decently qualified person on the Dragon Throne might seem enough. But such an outcome would mean the emperor serves merely as a puppet of the court.”

Shang Lu opened his mouth as if to speak. “The officials… There are a few talented ones. But most… simply aren’t up to it. Trouble would surely follow. Court turmoil. The world would be hard to settle.”

Chen Changsheng took a slow sip of tea. Then he said, “Back when we met in Western Xiao, you spoke about the imperial throne with great passion. Now, though, you’ve suddenly lost your desire to sit there. Yet all these years, you’ve poured your whole heart into being a capable emperor.”

“Have you ever asked yourself… why?”

“Why…”

Shang Lu suddenly found himself unable to answer.

That was true. If he didn’t want to be emperor… how had he persevered all these years?

Not only that. He had done his best with each task. Whether officials or common folk within Western Xiao, they all praised him as a wise ruler.

Shang Lu said, “At the very beginning… I just wanted the scenery before my eyes to improve. To stop the suffering I’d experienced up in the Northern Desert from happening again… for the common people to be able…” Here, Shang Lu abruptly paused.

“…the common people…”

For a split second, he felt dazed. His eyes turned to the Master facing him.

Chen Changsheng gently nudged the untouched tea towards him.

“When your mouth speaks of the world and its people… isn’t your choice already clear?”

Shang Lu gazed at Chen Changsheng. A long silence fell.

His gaze followed the spring breeze away, towards distant Autumn Moon Market.

A sigh emerged from the pavilion; It seemed to resonate for a long time…

…

..

Down the mountain, Zhao Zhen paused.

He turned back, looking towards the mountain range now behind him. His focus landed on the Taoist temple.

His heart thumped wildly, breath rapid and ragged.

Never had he seemed so… pathetic.

Zhao Zhen stood staring up at that mountain – for a full half-hour at least.

Zhang Xiaoliu only noticed when he reached the base during his sweeping duty.

“Have… have you been standing here this whole time?” Zhang Xiaoliu approached.

Without even realizing it, Zhao Zhen took two steps backwards.

Zhang Xiaoliu halted, slightly puzzled, then decided not to come closer.

He thought for a moment, then fished out an unripe citrus fruit from his pocket.

“You want this?”

Zhao Zhen froze briefly. Then, hesitantly, he stretched out his hand.

That brash, powerful figure who had passed by earlier was gone. In this moment, all his edges faded. A trembling hand took the offered fruit.

Zhang Xiaoliu gave a small smile. “Best head back early,” he said simply.

Without another glance at Zhao Zhen, he strode off towards the Civic District.

Once Zhang Xiaoliu was gone…

Zhao Zhen slowly withdrew his gaze. Clutching the citrus, he raised his eyes once more towards the Taoist temple on the mountain. He hesitated for one fleeting moment… and lifted his foot to take half a step forward.

But only that half step.

Suddenly, his own hand shot up!

Slap!

A sharp, stinging sound echoed as he struck his own face.

Zhao Zhen’s eyes instantly regained their initial ruthless edge. He lifted his head, radiating imperial authority once more.

He tucked the fruit safely inside his robe. Then, without even a backward glance, he departed from this place.

The road ahead was long. He wouldn’t look back towards the mountain again.

He went to the market nearest to the mountain. There, he paid half of what coins he carried for the best horse available.

Crack! (Whip) Ya!

Setting off onto the Imperial Road, he knew what he was giving up. Despite that, he never turned his head back.

Nor did he dare to look back!

!