The wheelchair on which he sat was of his own design. Though it wasn’t carved out of jade, nor gilded or decorated with silver — in fact, it was quite ordinary at a glance, with an unassuming appearance — there were buttons near the hands and legs that could activate hidden contraptions. Any attackers within a radius of 100 meters would be hit by the needles, only death awaited them.
Seeing how arrogant Li Shiyan was being, Su Ziluo warned, “If the needles I shot out earlier were imbued with murderous intent, I’m afraid your life would have been over.”
Though Li Shiyan felt defeated, he promptly retorted, “Well… that’s because I’m not your match.”
“Stop arguing with me. For the time being, you are not allowed to go out. Stay in the capital obediently. When we’ve settled our affairs, I’ll take you back to Qujiang.”
“Ziluo…”
“There is no negotiating. Heir shouldn’t continue being this childish.” Su Ziluo vetoed resolutely.
Li Shiyan knew that when Su Ziluo was like this there was no way to change his mind. Since he knew he couldn’t escape, he sat down in resignation.
“I have to mention that you also took considerable risk. Your legs aren’t convenient. You could have waited in the general mansion. Instead, you came to join the fun in Lin capital. You are the same as Uncle Su.”
“What does that have to do with my father?”
“Both your legs were destroyed five years ago during the battle at Canshui, when Uncle Su died. Heaven is playing with man. With your intelligence, you should be on the front lines leading the troops, wearing Qujiang’s armor, and building a legacy by which to be remembered and praised by future generations. Instead, you’re searching for people in my father’s stead.”
“…”
“Who destroyed your legs? No matter how many times I ask, you never tell me.”
Su Ziluo’s expression didn’t change at all, but he spat coldly, “It’s history, don’t mention it again.”
Li Shiyan was a chatterbox, he couldn’t stop himself from blabbering. He leaned nearer to Su Ziluo and asked again, “Ziluo, tell me the truth, why did you really come here this time?”
“You want to know?”
“Of course!”
“Marriage. The king is seeking a marriage.”
Li Shiyan squinted and groaned. “That deceiving little kid wants to get married? He is very fond of the queen, so how can he send 30,000 soldiers to seek another marriage? Quick, tell me, is there another reason you’re here?”
Su Ziluo’s expression was tranquil. He moved his wheelchair to the window and gazed at the full moon. After a long moment, he spoke. “We lost many good men during that battle five years ago. They either died from their injuries or were felled. When the army retreated, only 3,000 were left. The Great Lin’s emperor is a petty man. His style of handling things leave no room for maneuver. He killed and beheaded people like he was cutting grass, not at all the conduct of a benevolent sovereign. Not to mention that he completely distrusts his subordinates, a conduct no bright monarch should demonstrate.”
Behind him, Li Shiyan was confused as he listened to Su Ziluo. “What does this have to do with your arrival?”
Su Ziluo slowly turned his wheelchair around. He looked straight at his childhood friend with a severe, chilled gaze. “How can this kind of sovereign rule the world?”
“Ah?” Li Shiyan gawked.
Su Ziluo’s eyebrows creased. “Forget it. You will come to understand in time.”
Li Shiyan shrugged. Since he didn’t understand, he stopped thinking about it. He changed the topic as he recalled something. “Guess why I came to Lin capital?”
“Tourism?”
“No! I’m here for a woman. That woman has the same temper as you. She’s also incredibly intelligent. She’s a coroner and solves cases.”
Su Ziluo listened quietly without interrupting.
“Take out your tassel.”
Su Ziluo coldly looked at him. “What do you want with my tassel?”
“She has a tassel that looks just like yours. Could it be the one you lost?”
Su Ziluo shot him a deadpan look. “I have no time to waste with you. Obediently stay here. Don’t even think about escaping.”
“I…”
Su Ziluo left before Li Shiyan could finish his sentence. The sky was already dark when the attendant pushed him out of the tavern and there was no one left on the streets. A wind blew, leaving people trembling from the cold. He showed a preoccupied expression and his eyebrows slowly creased, revealing a hint of distressed. Under his sleeve, his hand tightly clenched his tassel.