Strategy to Capture That Scum Gong

Chapter 69 - Your Majesty, This Servant Obeys

Translated by Eve

Edited by Kara

17. Your Majesty, This Servant Obeys

Yang Xian had been on guard against Chu Xing and had been carefully watchinghim until just now. Since His Majesty had returned, it was not for certain that Chu Xing’s attitude would not change as well. However, seeing Chu Xing’s appearance of lowering his head, awaiting punishment, he couldn’t say that he wasn’t shocked....Xie He’s orders snapped him out of that shock though, and he hurriedly went to get the whip, handing it over to Xie He.

This was the whip used to punish the palace people who had made mistakes before. There were barbs on the whip. One lash would cause the flesh to be instantly lacerated!

Xie He raised his hand and heavily whipped down on Chu Xing’s body! Blood sprayed out onto the floor with the tail of the whip. Even so, Chu Xing did not move nor did his expression change. He remained kneeling on the floor, deferential. His spine was straight, and he continued to look at Xie He without averting his gaze.

Xie He’s eyes were dark and cold. He fiercely whipped down a few times. Only, he didn’t have much stamina, so after a few lashes, he was panting. Yang Xian promptly stepped up to support him, “Your Majesty....”

Xie He felt that he had put on an adequate show. Although General Chu’s thick, leather-like skin was really resistant, if he really beat him to death, he’d be deducted 30,000 experience points, and his work in this world would go to waste. Therefore, he shoved the whip in Yang Xian’s arms and sneered, “Don’t be so impatient, General Chu. Zhen won’t let you die so simply...This is what you said to Zhen that day. Zhen will return your words today!”

Xie He gave Chu Xing a glacial glance and then told Yang Xian, “Go invite Prince An into the Palace. Zhen has something to discuss with Imperial Uncle.”

Yang Xian did not respond immediately. Right now, there was only him by His Majesty’s side, who he could still use. He really wasn’t at ease with leaving His Majesty alone....

Xie He could easily read his thoughts. A sliver of warmth appeared in his dark and cold eyes, and his tone of voice softened, “Go, ba. It will be fine.”

Yang Xian hesitated but did not go against Xie He’s wishes in the end. From what he had observed about Chu Xing recently, Chu Xing was unlikely to harm His Majesty. Therefore, he bowed and left to call Prince An.

Xie He walked until he stood before Chu Xing, circling around him twice, seemingly full of interest. With a low chuckle, he said, “General Chu, do you know what a fate genuinely worse than death is?”

Chu Xing fell silent and then said, “Chen knows.”

Xie He wrapped his left arm around the other’s neck as if embracing the person below him. His left hand slowly shifted downwards, landing on the wound on his chest. His sharp nails suddenly dug into the bloody welt.

Xie He’s voice was light as a feather, “No, you don’t know.”

This level of pain seemed to be nothing to Chu Xing. He had previously suffered worse injuries, more horrifying pain. So long as His Majesty was happy, he didn’t mind being tortured or treated cruelly...It was the pain in his heart, that bone-deep pain, that could not be alleviated.

Chu Xing lowered his eyes slightly, motionless. He let Xie He do as he wished...

As if he couldn’t feel anything at all.

“Only, Zhen will enlighten you,” Xie He’s voice grew increasingly cold, “You thought that by pretending to be good to Zhen, Zhen would pardon you, hm...?”

Chu Xing was shocked. His expression finally cracked.

What was happening?! Didn’t all of His Majesty’s personalities have separate memories? How could he remember that he treated him well...? Just how much did he remember...?

Xie He noticed his expression and chuckled, “You thought that Zhen wouldn’t remember?”

There was extremely repressed agony in Chu Xing’s voice, “Yes....”

Why did he have to remember? Wouldn’t it be better if he hadn’t remembered?

Xie He’s fingertips were stained with Chu Xing’s blood, “You sympathize and pity Zhen.”

“I...” Chu Xing’s lips parted.

Xie He’s voice suddenly became shrill. He stabbed his fingers back into Chu Xing’s flesh, “Zhen doesn’t need anyone’s pity! Especially not the pity of a traitor like you!”

Chu Xing’s eyes held his pain. A long time later, he spat out, “Chen has sinned. Chen deserves a thousand deaths.”

Xie He laughed darkly and let go of him. He gazed down on him for a moment before leaving.

Chu Xing watched as the door in front of him closed. From beginning to end, he did not cast his gaze away. He simply knelt there like that.

I’m sorry....

Actually, it wasn’t because I pitied you. It was because I love you...but you don’t need my love.

..........................................................................................

Xie He waited for a while. Yang Xian and Jing Heng entered the Palace together.

Jing Heng looked at the bloodied Chu Xing kneeling in the courtyard. There was astonishment in his eyes. He didn’t understand what exactly Chu Xing’s intentions were and was worried that Xie He would provoke Chu Xing like this.

Therefore, as soon as he entered, Jing Heng told Xie He, “Your Majesty, for now, Chu Xing must not die.”

Even if Chu Xing did not fight back, if His Majesty really killed Chu Xing, Chu Xing’s subordinates would certainly rebel. At that time, His Majesty would definitely meet a tragic end!

Xie He was calmer than he expected, however. He smiled at Jing Heng, tone insipid, “Zhen will not kill him.”

Jing Heng was startled. With His Majesty’s temperament, was he actually willing to tolerate the traitor who had humiliated him?

Xie He did not speak of Chu Xing again. He looked at Jing Heng and showed a reminiscent smile. He spoke peacefully, “Imperial Uncle, do you resent Zhen?”

Jing Heng knew that Xie He was referring to what had happened at that time. Without any hesitation, he said, “It is I who shouldn’t have had such improper feelings for Your Majesty. Your Majesty is magnanimous and did not bother with it, permitting me to leave. I have no reason to resent Your Majesty.”

Xie He looked at him fixedly for a long time before saying softly, “Thank you.”

Jing Heng was moved, “Your Majesty....”

Xie He was quiet for a while, and an unprecedented complicated expression flowed out of his eyes. He sighed, “Unfortunately...Zhen is not a good Emperor....”

Jing Heng couldn’t bear to see Xie He blaming himself, and said, “This was not Your Majesty’s fault....”

Xie He was quiet and then said, “You need not comfort Zhen. Zhen is aware that what Zhen did was not right. Actually...at that time, Zhen had wanted to be a good Emperor, but...Zhen was unable to.”

“Zhen is not broad-minded like you nor is Zhen capable like you. Zhen doesn’t even know how to be a normal person, let alone does Zhen have the ability to be compassionate to all those beneath the heavens.”

“In Zhen’s heart, there is only injustice and resentment.”

Jing Heng’s heart ached dearly, “Your Majesty...you have already been working very hard.”

Xie He shook his head with a smile, “If Imperial Uncle were to be Emperor, things would definitely have not turned out this way. You would definitely be loved and respected by the people...You would be a great Emperor.”

Jing Heng knelt, “Your Majesty, you absolutely must not say such words!”

Xie He promptly pulled him up by the arm, voice earnest, eyes full of expectations, “Imperial Uncle, will you help Zhen?”

Jing Heng said, “Whatever You Majesty commands, Chen will risk life and limb.”

Xie He said, “Will you be Emperor for Zhen?”

There was shock, “What?!”

Xie He looked him in the eye and slowly repeated, “Zhen wishes that you will become Emperor.”

Jing Heng looked at him, agitated, “No!”

Xie He looked at him and said, “Zhen’s Imperial Tomb has already been built. Building that Imperial Tomb...was the first thing Zhen did after being freed from that lowly woman...even if there hadn’t been Chu Xing, Zhen was already planning on calling you back.”

When he said this, he smiled, eyes bright and keen, “Imperial Uncle, if you’re unwilling, does that mean that you want Zhen to crown Chu Xing, that traitor? Imperial Uncle, are you willing to let Zhen leave this world with such a troubled heart?”

Jing Heng instantly understood what Xie He meant, and his expression changed greatly!

This was the reason for His Majesty’s abnormality! It was because he had calmly arranged for his own funeral!

Yang Xian, who had been silent all this time, could no longer remain calm. He persuaded with a trembling voice, “You must not, Your Majesty!”

Xie He glanced at the two of them, a slight smile in his eyes. At this moment, the darkness covering his eyes seemed to disperse. There was only ease and reconciliation, “Look at you two. Zhen thinks that Zhen isn’t actually that pitiful.”

Yang Xian choked with emotion, eyes red, “Your Majesty....”

Jing Heng’s hands shook, “Your Majesty, it does not have to be like this.”

Xie He said to Jing Heng, “Imperial Uncle, Zhen only feels assured handing this realm over to you. Please help Zhen one last time? Zhen does not want to feel like a sinner when...leaving. Zhen wants to do one good thing for this country.”

There was agony and conflict in Jing Heng’s eyes, “You can stay to assist, Your Majesty.”

Xie He smiled, “Imperial Uncle, this is Zhen’s final request to you. You will promise Zhen, yes?”

Jing Heng looked at the carefree smile and decisive light in Xie He’s eyes. He finally understood that no one could stop him today.

To His Majesty, this was his long-awaited absolution. This was the rebirth that he had been yearning for for so long....To His Majesty, this was not death but a beginning. Meanwhile, Jing Heng, because of his own selfishness and reluctance to part, wanted to do such a cruel thing as to make him stay...Because he himself didn’t want to endure any pain, he wanted His Majesty to continue living in this world that would only cause him to suffer....

However, in front of this version of His Majesty, how could he refuse him? Even if the price for agreeing would be extremely bitter, he could not bear to extinguish the hopeful light in His Majesty’s eyes.

Jing Heng stared deeply into Xie He’s eyes and finally spoke. A mere three words seemed to exhaust all of his strength, “This servant obeys.”

From now on, this life of his would live according to His Majesty’s final wish. He would be a great Emperor, in place of His Majesty.

【Ding, Jing Heng’s Favourability Value +2. The current Favourability Value is 100.】

Xie He smiled. This time, he smiled very happily. So happy like he had finally been able to put down the very last of his burdens. Like he was no longer chained.

Yang Xian stared at the smile on Xie He’s face...and suddenly, the words of persuasion he wanted to say could no longer come out.

To him, who had practically been witness to the entirety of His Majesty’s life, this day did not come suddenly. It was just that, although he knew that this would be the outcome, he still had wanted to fight it until the end, to avoid this foreordained ending.

However, he could no longer avoid it.

All that he could do was follow His Majesty, be by his side, regardless if it was in the past or the present, that would not change.

Jing Heng did not stay overnight in the Palace. Xie He sent him off at the Palace gates and then returned.

Yang Xian helped Xie He wash up as usual. He supported him to sit on the bed and asked quietly, “Would Your Majesty like to rest now or read for a while?”

His bearing was exactly the same as it always had been.

Xie He pulled his hand, “Sit with Zhen for a while.”

Yang Xian said, “Nubi dares not overstep.”

Xie He smiled, “You’ve always been like this. After so many years, you still stick so strictly to your role. You won’t do anything that isn’t in accordance with your position, no matter how trifling. Zhen knows that you’ve given it a lot of thought, that you do not wish for Zhen to recall any unhappy matters. But...actually, you need not be like this. You are different in Zhen’s heart.”

Yang Xian looked at him. He couldn’t stop the affection from dripping out of his eyes, “Your Majesty....”

“Just tonight, lie with Zhen for a while,” Xie He pulled Yang Xian down to lie next to him. He pressed one hand against the other’s chest, “Don’t move, Zhen is tired.”

Tonight, rain drizzled outside. But, there was only peaceful stillness inside of the room.

....................................................................................

The next morning, Yang Xian dressed Xie He in his court clothes and helped bind his hair. He put on the golden crown, movements gentle and careful. Only, he kept his eyes lowered the whole time, so as to not show Xie He the sorrow in his eyes.

Xie He’s expression was very tranquil. Without yesterday’s malice, his appearance and air seemed to have changed a lot.

He took a step outside and saw that Chu Xing was still kneeling outside. He was injured and had been drenched by the rain all night. But, his body was still as majestic and motionless as a mountain.

Xie He didn’t even give him a glance and walked past him.

This was the last time Xie He would attend morning court.

Xie He announced that he would pass the throne onto Prince An to all the officials. No one had guessed that this would occur, and the whole court was in an uproar. Regardless, Xie He was firm on his position. In any case, he was an Incapable Ruler. An Incapable Ruler would do as his heart desired.

Seeing that they could not change Xie He’s mind, the people gradually stopped fussing and began to conjure up other ideas.

Anyway, no matter what, this was better than having this Incapable Ruler continue on as Emperor. Prince An had always had a worthy name. He had a good character; he was capable, and he was smooth and slick in establishing personal relations. Inwardly, these people actually weren’t all that against this. In addition, it seemed like Prince An had attained Chu Xing’s support. People who wanted to oppose this had to consider their own capabilities first.

After Xie He finished his last scene, he happily returned to his Qin Palace.

Prince An and Chu Xing would naturally be the ones dealing with what was left. He needn’t worry about it.

Xie He pulled down a dagger inlaid with jewels from the wall. This was the original Jing Zhao’s dagger. It was incomparably sharp, able to cut steel like mud. He unsheathed it and took a look. His face was reflected in the cold, shiny surface of the blade.

Xie He took the blade, walked over to Chu Xing, and called him softly, “General Chu.”

General Chu saw the blade in Xie He’s hands. He thought that His Majesty was finally going to kill him. This was what he deserved. He was about to close his eyes and wait for death...But in the next moment, he saw Xie He handing it over to him. He smiled and said, “General Chu, it is time for you to honour your promise.”

Chu Xing stared at Xie He in disbelief. His body, which had never wavered before, swayed slightly at this moment. He was struck dumb, “What are you saying...?”

Xie He looked at him and perked the corner of his lips into a smile. There was a never-before-seen resplendent smile in his black eyes. Without the resentment and coldness that he used to have, he was even more captivating, “General Chu, you promised that you would let Zhen be buried and at rest, ah.”

“No...” Chu Xing could not control the suffering in his eyes. He kowtowed heavily to Xie He, voice hoarse, as if begging, “Please rethink things, Your Majesty.”

Xie He looked at him and only said two words, “Take it.”

Chu Xing didn’t reach out. It was like what was in front of him wasn’t a blade, but something that would send him into an abyss of eternal damnation.

Thus, Xie He grabbed his hand and personally placed the hilt into it. He then clasped both of his own hands around Chu Xing’s hand. Because they were very close, when Xie He raised his head, Chu Xing could nearly touch Xie He’s face. Xie He could see his face reflected in Chu Xing’s eyes. The corner of his lips rose again, “General Chu, didn’t you say that you would obey all of Zhen’s commands? It couldn’t be that you were deceiving Zhen?”

Chu Xing felt like there was something stuck in his throat. He looked at Xie He, pained, “Your Majesty...Please retract your command.”

Xie He did not get angry. He looked at him, donning a smile that was not a smile, and said, “Don’t you like Zhen? General Chu kills people like one cuts wheat. To you, this is an easy matter. You’re not even willing to do this. Is this all your love amounts to?”

Chu Xing’s appearance finally cracked. This was the first time he could not hold the blade in his hands tightly.

He finally understood what Xie He meant. This was the true punishment given to him. This was the punishment for falling for him...what it meant to have a fate worse than death...He finally understood at this very moment.

Xie He reached out, fingertips caressing Chu Xing’s face. His eyes softened. For the first time, there was no resentment nor coldness in the gaze he used to look at Chu Xing...only peace and gentleness...He even looked a bit like he was looking forward to this.

Xie He smiled, his tear birthmark moving, “If you could have come a bit earlier...How good would that....”

He didn’t finish his words. He clenched his hands tightly around Chu Xing’s hand and stabbed the blade into his own chest.

Mn. It was indeed very sharp. It didn’t hurt that much.

【Ding, departure from this world in progress....】

【Ding, the target of this world, Chu Xing, was successfully captured. Obtained 10,000 experience points. The important character of this world, Jing Heng, was successfully captured. Obtained 8000 experience points. The important character of this world, Yang Xian, was successfully captured. Obtained 8000 experience points. The total experience points obtained in this world is 26,000.】

Chu Xing held Jing Zhao’s body, motionless. He was like a wooden puppet, whose strings had been cut. He forgot to struggle, forgot to move. He could only watch helplessly as the person before him shut his eyes and ceased to breathe.

They went around and around, but in the end, he had still personally killed him.

There was a serene smile on Jing Zhao’s face. He had his eyes closed. He looked like he had gone to sleep. Finally, he had no need to wake up from his beautiful dream.

Chu Xing bent down and lightly kissed him on the lips.

What were you saying just now, ne? Were you disdaining me for seeing the truth too late or disdaining me for coming to you too late...? If...I could have met you sooner, fallen for you sooner, could everything have changed...? It was really regretful...Why couldn’t I have come sooner...?

Only, it didn’t matter. Next time, I certainly will not be late, because I can’t let you leave all by yourself again.

Wait for me.

......................................................................................................

When Jing Heng went back, he saw the scene of Chu Xing holding Jing Zhao’s corpse. The two of them were fused together as if they had become a single stone statue. He originally really hated Chu Xing, but now seeing him like this...He couldn’t help but sigh imperceptibly.

In the end, His Majesty had left. This was the ending he had wished for so long for...Leaving them, who continued to live, to pass these hopeless days without him.

Jing Heng walked over and said insipidly, “His Majesty has already left. General, let go.”

Chu Xing seemed to come back to himself upon hearing this. There was a deathly stillness in his eyes. He slowly stood up and carried Jing Zhao back into Qin Palace, gently placing him down onto the bed.

Perhaps it was because the knife was so sharp, or because he had already suffered too much pain, Jing Zhao’s expression was exceedingly tranquil. There was even a smile on his lips. Chu Xing gently stroked his cheeks. Fortunately, he did not leave in pain.

He looked at him for a while and then said quietly, “Your wish...I will definitely achieve it for you.”

Since you wanted Jing Heng to succeed you and become a benevolent ruler on your behalf, then I will be the perfect official, assisting Jing Heng in stabilizing his seat on the throne. With Jing Heng here, no one will disrupt your slumber again.

Your only desire was to be buried and put to rest. Then, I will let you so that you can be reborn into a life with no worries or misgivings. So that you will never have to endure torment again.

When Yang Xian read out Jing Zhao’s will, under everyone’s shocked gazes, Chu Xing was the first to kneel down and express his compliance to His Majesty’s decree. Following Chu Xing’s declaration of his stance, those in his faction also knelt down. The other people, who were indecisive, also knelt down hesitantly. In the end, the rebellious people did not dare to defy Jing Zhao’s edict in public, although they were unwilling to comply. If they dared to resist, Chu Xing might have directly killed them, claiming that they were a traitor to the state. Because of Chu Xing’s unexpected stance, everything went even more smoothly than imagined.

Jing Heng easily succeeded the throne. The remaining dissonant voices were suppressed with might.

The first thing Jing Heng did after succeeding the throne was not something for himself. Rather, it was to bury Jing Zhao in his tomb with great fanfare. He personally had gone to Hongguang Temple to request for a renowned senior monk to perform a ritual for Jing Zhao and to grace him by proclaiming him amnesty.

Chu Xing stood afar in a corner from which he could see His Majesty. He watched as the senior monk chanted sutras. Like this...would he really be able to find peace from his grief?

Yang Xian walked over, expression complex as he looked at Chu Xing. He called out, “General Chu.”

Chu Xing nodded at him indifferently. He and Yang Xian originally stood on opposite sides. Now, they were on the same one, both having lost the one they loved. Life was fickle. Who would have thought that there would be such a day?

Yang Xian also didn’t think that there would be such a day. He had resented Chu Xing for how he tormented His Majesty in the beginning, but...if Chu Xing hadn’t had a change of heart in the end, His Majesty’s whipped corpse would already be hanging at the city gate. Chu Xing undoubtedly had a part in today’s outcome, in allowing His Majesty to leave with his heart at rest.

He sighed. In the end, Yang Xian didn’t say anything and headed out.

It was at this time that Chu Xing suddenly stopped him, “Are you going to see Prince An?” Although Jing Heng had already ascended the throne, in Chu Xing’s heart, His Majesty would only ever be one person. Therefore, he continued to call Jing Heng “Prince An.” Towards this, neither Yang Xian nor Jing Heng minded.

Yang Xian nodded, “Yes.”

Chu Xing said, “I’ll go with you.”

Jing Heng met with the two of them in the Imperial Study. What they talked about that night, no one knew.

It was just that after Jing Zhao was buried, Yang Xian and Chu Xing never appeared again.

Many people were extremely surprised. Yang Xian, Jing Zhao’s number one subordinate, and Chu Xing, the one who had even renounced the throne that was in his reach in order to honour Jing Zhao’s will, the two of them actually didn’t attend the funeral!

Jing Heng had a serious expression the whole time. From then on, he walked on a solitary path. No one knew that what he actually wanted was to leave with His Majesty.

Even more, no one knew that in the Emperor’s tomb beneath the heavy soil, there were two bronze statues buried on either side of the coffin. One looked to be a eunuch holding a horse whisk. The other was a general with a long sword at his waist. The bronze statues looked very life-like as they stood next to the coffin, staring at the person in the middle as if they would protect him generation after generation.

The author has something to say:

Lalala, another world has ended, la~

A new world starts tomorrow. Advance notice: The tyrant’s substitute lover. A heiheihei story about Big Celebrity Xie and his financial backer.

Thank you my darlings for always supporting me and accompanying me. I love you all, muah muah~~ Thank you to all the big thighs for the nutrient fluid, muah muah~~

Eve: This world’s ending was bittersweet. The part with Yang Xian in the bedroom really broke my heart. Yang Xian’s love is so pure and the relationship between OG!JZ and him is so sweet. See you guys in the next world~

I have also updated the novel page for this novel with the corresponding chapters in each arc for those that like to wait until the arcs end. I think they should be correct. Let me know if there’s an error.

Kara: Ahhhhhhhhhh!!! The ending of this arc has my heart bleeding in the best way. Yang Xian’s love was so pure, and in the end, I cannot find it in my heart anymore to truly hate Chu Xing after all the gong abuse he was put through. Personally, this arc has been a major turning point in the story for me. I really enjoyed it heheheheh I’m looking forward to the next world~! ヽ( ･∀･)ﾉ

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