602 Eternal Life (1/2)
For years, the Khan's only disease had been 'old age.'
He was very old now — too old even to recognize all his great-grandsons. But his body was still strong; even if he was 'lying in bed', it was not because he was 'ill' but rather because he was fighting a protracted and costly war against death of which he disregarded any costs for his desired outcome.
The main force fighting his 'war' was originally famous doctors from all over the world, and this was also coincidentally the main reason why everyone thought the Khan was 'seriously sick.' Over time, even the Khan himself believed that there was some mysterious disease inside him, a vanguard of death. If he lost to it, he would directly face death; if he could defeat it, it would help stop or even frighten away that cruel enemy.
The 'war' was so bitter that after some small victories, those famous doctors of the mortal world began to retreat. Then the 'godly doctors' came on stage, followed by a string of monks, Taoist priests, prophets, and fortune-tellers.
But the Khan had not lost his head through all this. He soon found that most of the people he had invited were charlatans who couldn't even take good care of themselves, not to mention others. So he applied his rich experience of running a country towards this 'war,' and sent his most trusted subordinates to countries all over the world to investigate so-called 'living immortals.' Only those masters who were well-known and well-tested would be offered a large sum of money and invited to Norland.
It was under this sort of situation that the disciples of the Essence Pavilion and the Taoist priests of the Jade Pure Sect had been courteously invited to the Norland. The former had come earlier and thus had a more solid foundation, while the latter was still being tested and was not fully trusted.
As to how the inconspicuous Waning Moon Hall had reached the ears of the Khan, the Second Consort could only make a guess. ”The Khan probably learned of it through Golden Roc Castle. He had paid special attention to Waning Moon Hall but the Hall Leader Han Wuxian is very mysterious and very few people have ever seen her. Naturally, he couldn't find her, so the only one he could invite was Lotus.”
At this point, the only thing the Khan cared about was 'eternal life,' and he had left all the state affairs, even the war with the Central Plains, for several kings and counselors to deal with.
”The Norland was now in a state of co-administration. Ten kings together with three high-ranking counselors decided all the affairs. Everyone has their own ulterior motives, while they fear each other and hold onto each other's secrets. This is why no one dares to reveal the truth to the Khan because the result of such a revelation would be everyone suffering without exception.”
The Second Consort kept her promise and explained the situation in the Royal Court to Gu Shenwei, saying, ”In fact, there is no real powerful main contender. King Kuari is young and daring, and he has attracted a large group of people, but their loyalty is very questionable. As far as I know, many of them have even pledged allegiance to multiple lords. There is no doubt that every lord is ambitious, even King Rizhu.”
Upon speaking of this king, the Second Consort hesitated for a moment before saying, ”He's not qualified to inherit the title of Khan and therefore wants to divide the Norland into two parts, the East and the West. The Khan will still be the supreme ruler and occupy the East while the West will belong to him. He wants to have a title like 'the Western Khan', which is a little higher than a king in status but a bit lower the Khan.”
”Second to the Khan,” Gu Shenwei interrupted.
”Exactly, that's what I mean.”
”Which group can help him realize the goal?”
”King Riying's, but not him personally. It's his grandson who is also King Rizhu's grandson. He's twelve years old, just fit to be manipulated by his two grandfathers.”
King Riying was the sixth rightful heir. According to the information Fang Wenshi collected, King Riying had actively involved in the fight for the throne but had been quickly defeated. After that, he remained neutral on the surface but in fact, he had already chosen an ally.
”Is it true about protecting the Khan?”
”Well, the Dragon King doesn't have to take it so seriously. Even if it's true, it may be false in the future. Anyway, King Kuari wants Khan to die as soon as possible, and King Rizhu wants to foil his plan. That's it.”
”What about you? What do you really want?”
”As Luo Ningcha told you, I will follow my heart and raise a new Khan, he will marry me as his Main Consort, and I will expand my cavalry to a hundred thousand men. That's all.”
”A female Khan behind the curtains.”
”Haha, sort of. I wish that all the men in the world had the Dragon King's wisdom. Your woman governs the Land of Fragrance well, yet why can't the women of Norland rule openly? Fortunately, I am not that ambitious to want to change all men's view. I'll just sit behind the curtain.”
”May I know who is the heir chosen by the Second Consort to inherit the title of Khan? It's always better to please a future Lord of the Prairie sooner.”
When uncovering other people's plots, the Second Consort answered all the questions, but when it came to herself, she was not that straightforward. ”You'll find out sooner or later, and I'm sure you'll hear of it earlier than others. You can start flattering me if you want to 'please' the future Lord of the Prairie.”
The Second Consort winked ambiguously at the Dragon King, as clever and lovely as a teenage girl.
”Mm, an alliance is the beginning of flattery.” Gu Shenwei cast his eyes slightly down.
”I thought that the Dragon King was an ambitious hero and would never shy away. Why do you avoid looking at me? Am I too old for you? Speak out what you think without pretending to be a saint.”
Gu Shenwei didn't even understand why the topic had turned to this, but the Second Consort was right. As a killer and a man fighting for supremacy, he should not be coy. ”You're a little old for me but amongst the women I've met, you are still in the top three. The Khan wasn't wrong with his choice, but my eyes are only looking at the Western Regions. I have no interest in any woman until I have it firmly grasped in my hand.”
”Haha.” The Second Consort's body slightly trembled from laughter. She didn't think the Dragon King's words were inappropriate, ”Top three? Haha, the Khan praised me as a fairy sent by Heaven, and you only rank me as 'top three'? Who are the first two? Shangguan Ru and Lotus? Don't tell me Luo Ningcha is one of them.”
Gu Shenwei refused to answer this question. ”Shangguan Ru is not in the hands of the Taoist priests of the Jade Pure Sect. If the Second Consort wants to borrow the female soldiers of the Land of Fragrance, you would be well-advised to help me find her.”
The Second Consort stopped laughing and shook her head. ”You really don't like to joke. Well, then let's talk about Shangguan Ru. It's really a strange thing. In the Royal Court, even news of a mouse getting married can't escape from my informants, but this little girl disappeared without a trace. I know that she and that small old man broke into the Office of King Rizhu, and I also know someone sent that old man to the Jade Pure Sect as well as a wooden saber to the Essence Pavilion. But only Shangguan Ru, this little girl, has completely disappeared and remains unfound, dead or alive.”