Chapter 326: Everyone Has A Chain On His Neck (1/2)
There were many issues that seemed heavy before a decision was made. However, once the decision was made, the weight bearing down would disappear within seconds. The lead-like clouds that hung over the courtyard dispersed.
That was how Xia Hou felt at the moment. The moment he mentioned that he was retiring, he felt much more relaxed than before. His sense of perception and his eyes brightened, and he realized that this was the right choice after all.
He had struggled between the Taoist and the Devil empires. Even someone who was as strong as him would grow weary in both body and spirit. He had been thinking long and hard about how to get out of the situation at hand and had only understood now. He understood that abandoning all wealth and glory and living like how the Headmaster of the Academy had mentioned, about not fighting and not doing anything, and retiring before he got old, was an ending that everyone could accept.
No matter the West-Hill Divine Palace or His Majesty in the palace of Chang'an, they would both allow him to leave the squabbles of the court and the cultivation Jianghu world. Furthermore, Mr. First had come personally to Tuyang City, and he indirectly represented the ideas of the Academy.
”Mr. First is indeed generous.” Xia Hou looked at Eldest Brother and said, ”I will resign from all my official positions when I return to the capital at the end of autumn.”
Eldest Brother shook his head and said gently, ”It's too late.”
Xia Hou squinted. He looked at Eldest Brother's grave expression for a while before saying in a low tone, ”Mr. First, I am still the general of the empire. There are many people who count on me, and I have to arrange their affairs. Furthermore, the war between the Central Plains and the Desolate Man would begin after the spring. I need to watch over the war from Tuyang City.”
Eldest Brother fixed his gaze on him, as if he wanted to know the reason behind why Xia Hou had to watch over the battle.
Xia Hou lowered his eyes and he fiddled with the teacup. He said, ”After all, I was once a Desolate Man.”
Eldest Brother stood up and walked towards the door. He stopped before he stepped out and said, ”You're not allowed to go to West-Hill.”
The study of the General's Mansion was deep within the Winter Courtyard. There were many different types of weapons on the wall and not many books or calligraphy tools. A deathly and chilling aura reverberated in the room. A bleak ray of light shone through the window and it was instantly repressed.
Gu Xi, a military adviser, stood by the study desk silently. He clenched and released his hands that were hidden in his sleeves. After a certain amount of struggling, he said hoa.r.s.ely, ”As your subordinate, I'm unwilling.”
Xia Hou looked at the letter on his desk. The ink on it had yet to dry. He said with an indifferent expression, ”I am but just a mortal without the Tomes of Arcane. As mortals, we have to resign to fate. Retiring is one of the best fates that I can see. I am writing a letter to Chang'an stating that I am willing to resign from my positions and retire. I believe that His Majesty will give me face. I trust that Xu s.h.i.+ or the Military Ministry will settle the remaining affairs in the army. As for you, if you're worried that the West-Hill Divine Palace will seek for you, you may retire with me.”
A touch of affection appeared in Gu Xi's eyes that changed into sentimentalism. He said self-mockingly, ”I was sent by the Divine Hall to keep watch on you. But who would think that after so many years, we have truly become master and servant. General, you may retire, but I have to return to West-Hill and do my duties. I don't know if we will ever meet again.”
Xia Hou looked at him. ”Do not worry too much. His Majesty and the other officials in Chang'an would not do anything to me as long as I am willing to part with my military power peacefully. As for the Divine Hall, this is, after all, the suggestion of the Academy. They would not fight with the Academy for a retired general.”
Gu Xi nodded.
Xia Hou looked at the faint light that shone through the window silt and fell silent for a long time. Then, he furrowed his brows slightly and murmured, ”Mr. First of the Academy is just as generous and benevolent as I expected. But I wonder why Mr. Thirteen, the one called Ning Que, looked at me with such a strong intent to kill. He wants me dead really badly.”