Chapter 181: Treading on Water, White-hoofed Shadow! (1/2)

“Sigh, Lu Ting, you foiled my plans!”

When Su Zhengchen finally left, Wang Chong stomped his feet and sighed. It hadn’t been easy for him to guard this secret for the past few months.

Even Shen Hai and Meng Long didn’t know the true identity of Su Zhengchen despite having met him.

In the end, Lu Ting ruined everything as soon as he appeared.

“Plans? What plans? Wang Chong, tell me first. How did you meet Su gong Su Zhengchen? Furthermore, to be playing chess with him!”

Lu Ting stood up and grabbed Wang Chong in agitation.

Lu Ting grew up listening to the legends of the great war god Su Zhengchen, and there was even a painting of him in Lu Ting’s residence.

There were many rumors going around that Su gong had already passed away, and thus, Lu Ting never thought that he would meet Su Zhengchen here.

To think that the war god Su Zhengchen was still alive, and on top of that, for him to be as strong and healthy as before; this was something that had never crossed Lu Ting’s mind before.

This was a miracle!

Even though Su Zhengchen didn’t even look at Lu Ting in the eye throughout the entire encounter, Lu Ting didn’t harbor any resentment against him. Instead, he thought that it was completely natural.

After all, that was Su gong; the man who ruled the battlefield, the proud war god! If Su gong had spoken to him amiably instead, Lu Ting would doubt whether he was seeing a double or not.

Wang Chong sighed. It seemed like Lu Ting was a fan of Su Zhengchen. Even though his plan had been foiled by the other party, there was nothing he could protest about.

“You’ve already been coming here since a couple of months ago?”

After the duo calmed down, Wang Chong summarized the rough outline of the events to Lu Ting.

“Un. If it wasn’t for you, we might have been able to continue on like this for a few more months.”

Wang Chong said. Lu Ting’s presence here today was truly beyond his expectations.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t expect you to be meeting Su gong here.”

Lu Ting said apologetically.

It had been a few decades since Su Zhengchen had closed the doors of the Su Residence, turning down all guests and visitors. This was a known fact to all.

Back then, before the news of Su gong‘s demise started spreading, even the royal offsprings were denied entry to the Su Residence, lest to say, others of lower standing.

If others were to learn that Wang Chong had earned Su gong‘s favor and was able to play chess with him here every day, it would definitely scare most of them to death. Even a fool could tell that this was a huge opportunity.

However, it seemed like Lu Ting’s unintentional arrival had foiled Wang Chong’s opportunity.

For this, Lu Ting felt extremely apologetic.

“Forget it, let’s not talk about this. Rather, I’m more interested to know how you knew that I was here.”

Wang Chong said.

Lu Ting revealed the truth without hiding anything.

As King Song had just been reinstated to his prior positions, he had to deal with the various mess that King Qi had caused in the Bureau of Military Personnel and Bureau of Punishments so he hadn’t been able to meet Wang Chong at the palace gates.

On top of that, he thought that after a long imprisonment, Wang Chong would surely miss his family members a lot. Thus, he decided to grant Wang Chong some time to catch up with them before paying a visit.

Eventually, when he thought that it was about time, he went over to the Wang Family Residence. But to his surprise, Wang Chong wasn’t around, and not even his family members knew where he went.

Initially, King Song didn’t pay the matter any heed, thinking that Wang Chong should return by sunset. However, when the moon rose and the stars appeared, and Wang Chong still hadn’t returned yet, he decided to instruct Lu Ting to find him.

After listening to Lu Ting’s explanation, Wang Chong knew that he couldn’t really blame him for this matter. Having been locked up for three months, he was excited to meet Su Zhengchen again and so he ended up playing for a little longer than usual. He didn’t think that this sudden whim of his would bring Lu Ting here.

Perhaps, it was just as Su Zhengchen had put it. Their fates had simply come to an end. Their months of games were destined to end here today.

“Lu Ting, how did you know that I’m in the Ghost Tree District?”

Wang Chong frowned.

“Hehe, isn’t that easy? I just have to liaise with the gangsters in the capital. With almost a thousand person scouring through the capital for you, how could I not find you?”

Lu Ting smiled. However, he seemed to have realised something toward the end of his sentence, and his expression to change.

“It seems like you finally understand. The reason why Su gong has kept a low profile throughout these years is because he doesn’t want anyone to learn of his existence. Given the number of gangsters you’ve mobilised for this matter, perhaps by tomorrow, news of Su gong being alive would spread throughout the capital. Countless people will pay the Su Residence a visit.”

Wang Chong said calmly.

Looking at the numerous figures in the surroundings, Lu Ting’s face paled.

Su gong had always been a figure of respect for him, his father, as well as those of the previous generation. Back then, during Taizong’s era, the other party was a deity-like figure in the entire Central Plains. All those who had either lived through that era or heard of his exploits would definitely have a special place for him in their hearts.

Their heartfelt respect for him impelled them to want the best for him. Thus, none of them wished for his peace to be disturbed.

“Wait a moment!”

Amidst the night, Lu Ting suddenly turned around and walked toward the gangsters with a grim expression on his face. Wang Chong knew what he was going to do and he had no intentions of stopping him.

Even so, it was probably already too late.

As expected, a moment later, Lu Ting returned with a defeated look. He got into the carriage along with Wang Chong, and both of them tacitly chose not to mention Su Zhengchen.

“Hahaha, Wang Chong, welcome back!”

Wang Chong met King Song in the Wang Family Residence. He seemed to have been seated here for quite some time and upon seeing Wang Chong, he spread open his arms and gave him a big hug.

King Song’s admiration and fondness for Wang Chong came from the depths of his heart. Wang Chong’s spirits lifted significantly as he accepted King Song’s passionate welcome.

“Your Highness, congratulations on your reinstatement to the royal court!”

Clasping his fist, Wang Chong chuckled.

At King Song’s position, there was no further room for promotion. The position of a king was already the highest one could reach, any further promotion would necessitate a coup d’état