Chapter 9: Lord Cao Pleads to Go North of the Wasteland

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A person’s fortune is often determined by heaven. Those with smooth fortune find everything twice as easy and effective, while those without face constant setbacks. Chu Li’s fortune holds the power of the Heavenly Dao, far stronger than that of ordinary people. If she doesn’t retrieve it quickly, something bad is bound to happen. Losing half her fortune also greatly affects her personally. For instance, reclaiming the Earth Soul should have gone smoothly, but because half her fortune is missing, the matter remains unresolved.

Chu Li anxiously drew talismans while worrying about her situation. By the time she finished, night was falling, and if they didn’t set off soon, the city gates would close. She redrew disguise talismans for herself and Qiu Yi, handing Qiu Yi a protective charm. “Keep this talisman close to you. It will shield you in critical moments.”

Without hesitation, Qiu Yi hid the charm in a secret pocket near his body. “Let’s go. Traveling light makes it harder for anyone to track us. That prince won’t easily let me go. If we encounter patrolling soldiers, Qiu Yi, stay calm and don’t show any signs of nervousness that might raise suspicion.”

She imagined the prince must be furious now—proud as he was, he had been abandoned by a country girl like her. He was probably cursing her harshly behind closed doors. After tidying up, the two headed for the city gates.

Meanwhile, unease filled the palace. During the morning court session, the northern borderlands were discussed again. The Chief Fate Master had observed the stars and perceived other ominous signs.

“Your Majesty, last night I performed divination once more. The northern lands are filled with overwhelming resentment and anger. It seems a calamity of man-made origin is imminent.”

The Chief Fate Master’s predictions were never wrong. Hearing this, the court ministers grew anxious, and the Eastern Cang Emperor furrowed his brows deeply.

“There are three cities in the northern wilderness adjacent to the Northern Yuan Dynasty. The Northern Yuan royal family has long harbored unyielding ambitions and covets our territory. Does the Chief Fate Master mean the Northern Yuan is preparing to send troops again?”

In earlier years, the Northern Yuan waged continuous wars against Eastern Cang, with those three northern cities serving as vital border fortresses. The Northern Yuan had been defeated ten years ago, ending the conflict. Could it be that after a decade of recuperation, they had regained strength and were about to mobilize once again?

Yet, the northern area was always guarded by commanders, and all movements of the Northern Yuan were under surveillance. No signs of preparation had been detected.

The Chief Fate Master’s pale, aged face showed no color. Narrow eyes squinted as he responded, “I only specialize in observing the stars and divination, not in military affairs. Whether the trouble in the north is related to war, I cannot say.”

The question was passed to the emperor. The ministers all lowered their heads, none daring to speak up at this critical moment.

At that moment, a shabby figure among the civil officials suddenly shuddered and knelt with a smooth motion in the center of the hall.

“Your Majesty, I, humble servant Cao Ronghai, dare to ease Your Majesty’s worries by personally going to the northern wilderness to investigate.”

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As Cao Ronghai spoke, cold sweat covered his forehead. His hands trembled as he held the jade tablet, heart pounding wildly. Standing at the front ranks of the ministers, Fu Heng’s eyelid twitched slightly as he cast a subtle glance at Cao Ronghai.

Had Cao Ronghai truly lost his mind? To place such trust in a mere fortune-teller? The northern lands of Eastern Cang were perpetually covered in ice and snow, a harsh environment few could endure. Cao Ronghai’s corpulent frame clearly was not suited for hardship. If he went north, he might not even survive.

Not only Fu Heng, but the entire court and even the emperor were shocked by Cao Ronghai’s sudden boldness. The ministers exchanged glances, clearly unprepared for such an initiative, highlighting their own ineffectiveness. Cao Ronghai was known to be sly and lazy, only interested in profit, rarely offering advice in court. What had suddenly possessed him?

The emperor was even more astonished. If not for the need to maintain imperial dignity, he would have stepped down from the throne to examine Cao Ronghai’s skull and see what was inside.

“Cao Ronghai, why are you, a Ministry of Revenue official, making a scene? Stop this nonsense!”

Cao Ronghai’s brow twitched as he lowered his head further.

“Your Majesty, I am not making nonsense. I have resolved to risk my life to achieve something great in the north. I beseech Your Majesty to permit me!”

The Ministry of Revenue’s Deputy Minister eagerly petitioned, his fervor suspicious.

But at this moment, Cao Ronghai could not care less. Since the day of the Duke You’s wedding, his sense of crisis had only grown. He felt that if he stayed in the capital, he would die sooner. He must follow the fortune-teller’s advice and head north to grasp a chance at survival.

The emperor’s head ached. Many in the court would normally petition to go, but all had shrunk back like timid turtles. Instead, it was Cao Ronghai who was determined to go north.

Who in the northern wilderness could have emboldened Cao Ronghai to such an extent?

“Very well, you may go.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty! Your mercy is boundless!”

The emperor was uneasy. Glancing around, he intended to send one of his sons along, but the princes all hung their heads low, avoiding eye contact.

Fu Heng noticed and quickly offered, “Your Majesty, I will accompany him.”

Just as Cao Ronghai was inwardly relieved that the emperor had agreed, the ruthless war god Duke You declared that he, too, would go, causing Cao Ronghai’s hopes to falter once more.

The emperor hesitated briefly before consenting.

“Granted. I hereby command the two of you to proceed to the northern wilderness and thoroughly investigate the matter revealed by the Chief Fate Master.”

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After the morning court adjourned, Cao Ronghai hurried home.

He had already sent his family to reside temporarily in his ancestral village. His luggage for the northern journey had long been packed.

The emperor had dispatched Duke You to accompany him. He knew Duke You was difficult to manage; many colleagues privately called him the Living Death King. It was said Duke You was ruthless, beheading enemies as easily as slicing a melon, without even batting an eye.

If Cao Ronghai truly traveled with Duke You, he was unlikely to have a good outcome.

Fortunately, Cao Ronghai had prepared everything. If he traveled fast enough, the Living Death King could not catch him.

In his eagerness to leave the city, Cao Ronghai did not notice Duke You following behind.

Fu Heng watched Cao Ronghai’s retreating figure, recalling the earlier report from Heisha. A faint dark light flickered in his eyes. The old fortune-teller still had no trace, and Cao Ronghai’s behavior was highly suspicious.

By evening, Cao Ronghai, leading his men, advanced grandly toward the city gates, but midway, Duke You’s carriage intercepted them.

“Minister Cao, so soon you’re leaving the city?”

Fu Heng lifted the curtain, looking toward Cao Ronghai from a distance.

Cao Ronghai’s heart skipped a beat. “I am concerned for the northern wilderness and bear the imperial mandate. I could not wait even a single night and am ready to depart.”

Fu Heng raised an eyebrow. “How coincidental. I share your thoughts, Minister Cao. Then let us depart together.”

Thus, in the late evening, two carriages proceeded toward the gates one after another. Their grand procession instantly drew a crowd.

Chu Li and Qiu Yi were in line to leave the city. From afar, they heard the approach of horse-drawn carriages. Turning around, both were startled.

Qiu Yi’s face immediately turned pale, and he clutched Chu Li’s arm tightly.

“Master, what should we do? It’s the prince!”

Leading the procession was the carriage of Duke You’s mansion, flanked by a group of imposing horsemen—Fu Heng’s shadow guards.

“Duke You’s carriage, make way at once!”

“Minister of Revenue Cao Ronghai has been ordered to leave the city. Stand back immediately!”

Two simultaneous commands rang out. Chu Li, who had been somewhat tense, suddenly twitched her mouth, her expression strange.

Minister Cao? Cao Ronghai?

Well, that was fast. Minister Cao had promptly accepted his fate and set off for the northern wilderness?