Translator: Atlas Studios
Editor: Atlas Studios
Meanwhile… The Best Manor, Shen Manor, was located in Shen City. Shen City was located in the northern region of the Kingdom of the Heavenly Phoenix.
The land of the Kingdom of the Heavenly Phoenix was divided into the north, south, east, west, and central regions. It was made up of Feng City in the east, Ling City in the south, Luo City in the west, Shen City in the north, and Heavenly Phoenix City in the central.
The main part of the central region was Heavenly Phoenix City. The key powers that controlled this region were the Imperial family, the Alchemy Clan, and the Jewels Pavilion. Now, Su Ruoxi’s Pavilion of the Assassins was also included as it was considered to be among one of the best. The rest of the powers included the Artifact Clan, the Beastmaster Clan, and others.
Each region consisted of one main city and many smaller cities. For instance, there were hundreds of smaller cities surrounding Heavenly Phoenix City.
The imperial family ruled only the city and not the kingdom. They were able to do so only because the other powers could not be bothered to contest for power. In fact, the imperial family did not dare to offend the Jewels Pavilion and the Alchemy Clan in the imperial capital, Heavenly Phoenix City. They were even afraid to offend the Pavilion of the Assassins.
It was the same with the aristocratic families in other cities. The imperial family was not able to have control over them because of the distance. Even when they sent men to try to manage the cities, it was futile as none of the men returned. They were either killed or they had switched allegiance.
To put it simply, this world was similar to ancient times in the history of the 21st century. Yet, one could also say that it was entirely different! In the history of ancient times—as recorded in the 21st century, the imperial power was the strongest. However, in this world, the imperial power was not held in the same high regard. Here, one’s capability was far more important.
The more capable one was, the more powerful and influential one would be! The small and weak could only beg for mercy. It was a cruel world. A world where only the most powerful, the mightiest, the strongest, and the most capable survived.
Su Ruoxi liked the rules that governed this world. This was similar to her own rules of survival in her previous world.
At present, it seemed that the imperial family was still the most powerful force in Heavenly Phoenix City. This was because other powers like the Alchemy Clan and Jewels Pavilion were not interested to compete to be number one. As long as they were not provoked, it did not matter whether it was the imperial family or anyone else who called the shots.
Hence, the imperial family stationed their men in the hundreds of smaller cities surrounding Heavenly Phoenix City. This established the imperial family’s influence in the central region.
In the northern region, Shen City was controlled by the Shen Family of The Best Manor. Shen Fei’s father was the elderly City Lord. The elderly Shen Qingtian was obsessed with cultivation. He was not keen to continue to rule as the City Lord. However, he did not have a choice as he only had a few offspring—two sons and a daughter.
His eldest son, Shen Huaiqiu, was Lord of The Best Manor. His youngest son, Shen Huaitian, was a sickly child from the time he was born. His daughter, Shen Fei, was married to the Prince, Su Yunqi.
His youngest son, Shen Huaitian, was weak from birth. He could only cultivate at a very slow pace. He was also chronically ill and would spend more than half the time resting in bed…
Fortunately, Shen Huaiqiu married Duanmu Lan. She was the most beloved daughter of the Duanmu Clan. The Duanmu Clan was one of the most influential families in Shen City. Like the Shen Family, the Duanmu Clan had engaged in trade for many generations. The clan consisted of all men, with the exception of Duanmu Lan, who was the only daughter. Hence, she was the apple of their eye and was treasured like a precious pearl! As such, Shen Huaiqiu had the support of the Duanmu Clan and managed to establish The Best Manor as the most powerful force in Shen City…
Shen Huaiqiu was not interested in the affairs of the City Lord’s mansion. The affairs of the mansion were managed by a few disciples of Shen Qingtian. One would say that on the surface, Shen City seemed peaceful and harmonious.
It was late at night at the City Lord’s mansion. Shen Huaiqiu had a matter to discuss with his father, Shen Qingtian. Shen Qingtian’s beloved wife had passed away many years ago. He led a life in solitude as he did not remarry.
Even though Shen Huaiqiu did not concern himself with the affairs of the mansion, he and his wife continued to live in the City Lord’s mansion. They wanted to accompany his aged father and sickly younger brother.
Duanmu Lan had tried to persuade Shen Huaiqiu to take a second wife as she had not been able to get pregnant all this while. Shen Huaiqiu had objected vehemently. She was touched when he told her that all men in the Shen family would have only one wife in a lifetime.
It was precisely because of this that Shen Huaiqiu always had the support of the Duanmu Family…
“City Lord, there’s a letter for you!” A black shadow appeared from nowhere and stood in front of father and son. He was Shen Qingtian’s shadow guard, Shen Feng. Shen Qingtian was taken aback. Letters were usually delivered to him by the guards of the City Lord’s mansion…
“What’s the matter, Shen Feng?” Shen Qingtian asked with a frown.
“City Lord, this person must be highly skilled. He shot a dart and aimed the letter right next to me. I did not even detect his presence or get a glimpse of his face! Shen Qingtian answered respectfully. He was Shen Qingtian’s personal shadow guard and also the captain of the shadow guards in the City Lord’s mansion. He usually stayed hidden in an obscure spot to ensure Shen Qingtian’s safety.
When Shen Qingtian went into seclusion, Shen Feng would be in charge of training the City Lord’s mansion’s shadow guard team. He had always been very confident in his ability to stay concealed. So he was crushed when he realized today that his skills were not as good as he had thought…
Had that person tried to assassinate him just now, he might not have even realized how he was killed.
“Father, let’s take a look at the letter first!” Shen Huaiqiu felt something must be amiss. It would be better if they checked the contents of the letter first.
Shen Qingtian nodded and took the letter from Shen Feng. He opened the letter and as he read it, his face turned ghastly…
“This is atrocious! Damn Su Yunqi!” Shen Qingtian flew into a rage and smacked his hand on the table beside him, smashing it to pieces.
“Father, what’s the matter?” Shen Huaiqiu was curious. So was Shen Feng. He had stayed behind after handing over the letter.
Shen Qingtian passed the letter to them…
Shen Huaiqiu and Shen Feng took turns to read it. Their faces turned grim when they were done. Shen Huaiqiu said furiously, “Father, I will send someone to escort Little Sister back home! This is too much! It’s my fault for being negligent. I thought Little Sister was living a good life all along.”
Shen Feng, who had been silent after reading the letter, seemed to have remembered something. He decided to voice out his concerns. “Master, Young Master, calm down first! There’s something fishy about this. From what I remember, Miss will send a letter to Young Madam every year and tell her that she’s been well. This is why we haven’t been worried about her all along!”
Shen Huaiqiu suddenly chipped in. “That’s right. I recall that Lan-er will receive a letter from Little Sister every year. Lan-er will reply to her every time. There have even been a few occasions where I’ve told Lan-er to tell Little Sister to come back to visit Father when she is free!”
“So what do the two of you think? Could someone have written this letter on purpose, as a prank?” Having heard his son’s words, it finally dawned on Shen Qingtian that something was amiss.
“Father, let’s send someone to verify the authenticity of this letter! According to Shen Feng, this person must be highly skilled. I think he must be up to something!” Shen Huaiqiu was indeed a businessman. He had made thorough considerations.
Shen Qingtian felt that what his son said made sense. “Shen Feng, you shall investigate this matter! You have to think of a way to verify if the content of the letter is indeed true!”
“Yes, Master!”