The Swordsman of the Gods

053. Early Spring Accompanied by Inner Pressure

Emperor Ming Guo looked furious once, upon learning that Yongchun was allied with Leader Li, Xie, and Zhao secretly. The betrayal of him was clearly visible, what else was there to wait for?

Emperor Ming sent Leader Yin to search for Yongchun's whereabouts. It cannot be found until late spring.

Spring where all the flowers bloom. The snow melted without any residue, letting the spring breeze blow gently. Seeing and feeling that warmth really makes Yongchun happy, because in his territory there has never been anything like this.

“I'll remember well this season.”

It clasped the petals of the flower it grasped, soaring into the sky, flying freely wherever it went.

The gate of the palace opened, as he hummed a beat, he was well received by the palace guards there.

This thin, warmly-expressed smile was painted on his face that was filled with scars. Yongchun brought himself to come face to face Emperor Ming directly, after he had been hiding for the past 1½ months.

After being allowed into the throne room, Emperor Ming who sat on the floor facing the table and holding a cup of wine was smiling waiting.

“How are you doing, Leader Yongchun?”

Emperor Ming began to ask. Though such pleasantries would also be of no use. After a long time he searched for the existence of Yongchun, until finally the person appeared alone now.

Really pisses people off.

“Thank you for welcoming this weak me. Your Majesty .. I am fine and I hope you are too,” said Yongchun who then sat opposite him.

Without prostration or anything.

“Seeing you here, it looks like you've decided, right? About the agreement of the two of us,” offended Emperor Ming as he poured the wine into one of the empty cups.

“Your Majesty don't have to bother like this. Then, regarding the deal I actually still doubt it. May I ask you something about this great Emperor Ming?”

Yongchun was reluctant to start making small talk, he was a little hesitant to accept the reception and even poured the wine directly.

Not asking "on" - but rather "about" Emperor Ming himself. Clearly, all the bodyguards that were inside knew the meaning.

With the presence of many guards inside the palace, especially an advisor was also there, Yongchun knew very well that they all finally knew who he really was.

Feel the spring breeze or the aura that is so gripping in the room? Both of them really impressed him, until the corners of his lips widened.

“Please, Leader Yongchun.”

“Alright if Your Majesty himself doesn't mind. I ask the question, does Emperor Ming have ambitions?”

“Ambition, 'do you? Everyone certainly has that, Leader Yongchun. I stand here as an emperor in power, about to unite the country in peace.”

“Isn't that my wish?” chirps Yongchun who frowned.

“Hehe, you're right Leader Yongchun.” He laughed. “Well, perhaps you will understand after I tell you this,” said Emperor Ming as he sipped the cup.

“Your Highness does not need to call me as a cult leader. Enough with the name alone has made me feel comfortable,” said Yongchun.

“Alright, Yongchun. It's an old story. The story goes that when I lost my father, he died before his dream was achieved. You could say, I want the same thing as you because it used to be the desire of my late father,” he said with a sad wail.

The words he said were real. Except when he confessed that he had the same desire with good intentions of course.

“Sorry presumptuous, Your Majesty. Was that 'Emperor Ming' actually manipulating its own inhabitants?” Once again he asked, making the atmosphere even quieter.

The warriors immediately raised their weapons, but the Emperor raised his hand to not move.

The anger surged rapidly around Emperor Ming, seeing him react like that certainly made Yongchun feel satisfied. And relieved because what he predicted turned out to be true.

“What do you mean, Yongchun?” emperor Ming asked, feeling that there was something behind Yongchun's question.

“I'm stupid. Please forgive me, Your Majesty. Saying that Your Majesty is not as friendly as many people think, there seems to be a mistake with the interpretation of my words.” Yongchun slightly hiccuped when explaining this.

“Common, what do you mean?” This time Emperor Ming began to be impatient.

“Not many people say that Emperor Ming actually had a certain intent behind the act of looking friendly in front of all the residents,”.

“Really? Then ...”

“Sorry, Your Grace. I'm not trying to cut your sentence. One thing I know, there are people who say that you use the treasures of the merchants big tax, is that so?”

“You mean embezzlement ...excessive tax?”

“Absolutely. Sometimes there are some people who complain secretly, the big tax really tortures the residents. Then, there is something else that bothers ..” said Yongchun, he looked around carefully.

After pausing his words, then said, “Your Majesty deliberately hid the news about a swordsman who actually did not commit suicide but was killed by his own empire.”

“That's not true, Yongchun! You think I look as violent as you rumored?” lambasted.

“You know that I'm not as violent as many people think. Instead I want to unite the country and His Majesty himself who gave an agreement to run smoothly into the future,” said Yongchun firmly while looking straight at the sight of Emperor Ming.

“You know too. I'm still sane, why hide such news? After all, the large tax will also return the profits to all of them,”, Emperor Ming reiterated.

“Oh, really?” Yongchun turned his face. “But, before this. His Majesty's son intends to commit a sin, it is almost that Princess Yu Jie was killed by him.” He paled, then glanced to see what face would appear when Emperor Ming heard it.

Emperor Ming fell silent, the face he showed was not only anxiety, fear and anger mingled with utter disdain.

Various beautiful words to lower the degree was successful. Yongchun wanted to laugh a lot but he had to endure it.

“My son is insolent. But it seems like thanks to the powerful Yongchun, my youngest daughter is back in a safe state,” Emperor Ming said softly.

Then he began to calm down with his breath.

“But how is the deal, Yongchun –no, Asyura? My son will get a fair reply, and now let's move on. Do you want to marry my youngest daughter so that our territory reconciles and unites?”

It seemed like Emperor Ming did have some guts. Even after being reviled, he is still trying hard to make Yongchun for the long-promised deal.

With a face that is still clear, Yongchun said, “I am still worried. Is it true that Emperor Ming has no other purpose behind this deal?”

His angry voice appeared and filled the face that could no longer be hidden. His gaze was also gaunt, clenching his hands tightly.