Inside the inn,
Chu Xingchen and Li Xingtian both turned their gazes toward Li Yingling, waiting for the so-called "unofficial history" she had mentioned.
After all, when a dynasty writes its own official records, there’s always some embellishment to maintain appearances. And if there were any real secrets, they certainly wouldn’t be recorded in the official annals.
Only in unofficial histories, often dismissed as mere gossip, might fragments of the truth linger.
Moreover, even if these unofficial accounts held no truth at all, it wouldn’t matter.
Because widely circulated unofficial histories share one defining trait—they are rich in storytelling and abstract enough to captivate.
Topping the list are the romantic escapades of founding emperors, followed closely by those of founding empresses.
After all, human nature is drawn to tales of desire.
And only the most outrageous unofficial histories can withstand the erosion of time, enduring as stubborn, if not malodorous, remnants of history.
Even if taken as mere entertainment, it’s hardly a loss.
Li Yingling cleared her throat and began with a serious expression:
"Rumors say that at its founding, this dynasty wasn’t originally named the Xuanwu Kingdom. The name was changed later. Initially, it was called the Tangchi Kingdom, and its first emperor rose through rebellion, overthrowing the previous dynasty."
"The title 'Xuanwu Kingdom' was adopted only after the death of Emperor Taizu of Zhao, the founding emperor of Tangchi."
"According to unofficial records, the truth behind this name change traces back to Emperor Taizu’s wife—Empress Chen, the founding empress."
Hearing this, Chu Xingchen glanced at Li Xingtian beside him.
Master and disciple exchanged a look, both recognizing the gleam in each other’s eyes—this was the moment they’d been waiting for.
Undoubtedly, this would be a tale of the founding empress’s scandalous affairs.
"Emperor Taizu of Zhao wasn’t the undefeated, awe-inspiring leader portrayed in official history, with countless heroes bowing before him from the start."
"Unofficial records claim that the real Emperor Taizu suffered defeat after defeat in the early days of his rebellion. Within just two months, he lost his stronghold and was relentlessly pursued, his troops deserting in droves, unable to endure the humiliation of constant losses."
"The unofficial history dubs it—'The Flight of the Incompetent.'"
"After two months of rebellion, Emperor Taizu spent a year and a half on the run, chased all the way to Cangzhou."
"By then, he had nowhere left to flee—unless he plunged into the sea."
Chu Xingchen couldn’t help but cough lightly, inhaling deeply before covering his faintly amused mouth with his hand.
Was this actually an unconventional romantic escapade of Emperor Taizu?
Who knew the founding ruler of the Xuanwu Kingdom had such… progressive tastes?
Unaware of her master’s amusement, Li Yingling shot him a puzzled look.
Chu Xingchen nodded. "Go on."
Though confused, Li Yingling continued:
"With no retreat left, the repeatedly defeated Emperor Taizu, under immense pressure, somehow managed to hold his ground. And it was here that the legendary guardian beast, the Xuanwu, made its first appearance."
"The unofficial history claims this Xuanwu was a descendant of the true dragon, with a nature…"
Li Yingling trailed off, raising an eyebrow meaningfully.
Chu Xingchen mirrored her expression, signaling his understanding.
Under their suggestive gazes, Li Xingtian sighed and reluctantly raised an eyebrow as well.
There was no doubt—either Emperor Taizu or Empress Chen (or both) had traded something they shouldn’t have.
Satisfied, Li Yingling went on: "After reaching Cangzhou, Emperor Taizu glimpsed the Xuanwu’s power, though at first, it only helped him defend the city and barely cling to life."
"This went on for over a year."
"Then, Empress Chen gave birth to Emperor Taizu’s second son."
"And the very next day, the infant was declared the heir—the future Emperor Gaozu of Zhao."
Li Yingling narrowed her eyes and clicked her tongue. "Master, at that point, Emperor Taizu was practically destitute, nearly driven into the sea. There was nothing to inherit except a family-wide execution order."
"Moreover, the tradition was to appoint the eldest son, not the youngest. This decree made no sense. Yet from that moment on…"
"Emperor Taizu seemed to transform. He became a brilliant strategist, leading his troops to victory after victory, embarking on a three-year campaign to unify the land."
"And at every critical juncture, the phantom of the Xuanwu would appear to aid him!"
"After founding the Tangchi Kingdom, residents near the capital often reported hearing bestial cries from the palace—sounds that were quite…"
Li Yingling raised her eyebrows again, letting them fill in the blanks, then added:
"Occasionally, the Xuanwu’s phantom would manifest. And Emperor Taizu, it was said, grew increasingly melancholic and pale."
"Even stranger, after the kingdom’s founding, he developed a preference for lying prone rather than sitting."
"Emperor Taizu passed away just a few years after establishing Tangchi, and the second prince ascended the throne without issue."
"The very next day, the kingdom’s name was changed to Xuanwu Kingdom, with the Xuanwu enshrined as the guardian beast."
"The unofficial history doesn’t draw definitive conclusions but offers this summary:"
"'The Turtle’s Path to Founding a Kingdom Through Paternity.'"
After listening to this absurd tale, Li Xingtian finally couldn’t hold back:
"This unofficial history was definitely written by a remnant of the previous dynasty."
This wasn’t just gossip—it was outright slander!
If true, the Xuanwu’s tastes were… indiscriminate?
According to this account, Emperor Taizu’s only skill was endurance—his children weren’t his, his wife was shared, and he’d even offered himself up.
Did he turn the tides purely by tolerating humiliation?!
And did the current emperor even carry Emperor Taizu’s bloodline?!
That summary was nothing but an insult!
This "unofficial history" was pure bias!
Li Yingling shrugged. "That’s how unofficial histories are. There are even wilder ones, but those lack any logic. This one at least sounds plausible and aligns somewhat with official records."
"Regardless of its truth," Chu Xingchen interjected, "it does give us a lead. Yingling, you’re responsible for gathering and summarizing any information on the Xuanwu."
"Time is short, so right or wrong, Xingtian and I will head to the water veins to set up some… surprises."
"We’ll take this step by step. Once your senior sister has the intel, we’ll plan our next move."
"Success may hinge on luck—or perhaps on your senior sister’s findings."
Li Xingtian’s eyes flickered with doubt…
Relying on Senior Sister’s unofficial histories?
Xuanwu Kingdom, Cangzhou.
Above the Cangzhou River.
Qinghe clung tightly to Xie Lingyu’s arm, her eyes darting warily around.
Xie Lingyu sighed. "What are you so afraid of? Didn’t the master explain everything clearly?"
Qinghe’s expression was deadly serious. "Have you ever seen Grandma Bai smile at me like that before?"
Xie Lingyu thought for a moment. "I think she smiled exactly like that when she first fished you out and brought you to the sect."
Qinghe: "…"
How could it be the same? And more importantly!
Grandma Bai wasn’t the one who fished her out!
She quickly recited in her mind—this person was only here as a protective charm because she had begged relentlessly. No getting angry…
Qinghe was genuinely afraid that if something happened to her, Grandma Bai couldn’t be bothered to come all this way to save her…
Only by bringing along Grandma Bai’s precious darling—Xie Lingyu—could Qinghe find a sliver of security amidst Grandma Bai’s seamless mood swings.
Only a fool would believe Grandma Bai’s claim that it was perfectly safe, just a quick trip to snatch an easy bargain!
Qinghe was certain she’d at least lose a layer of dragon hide over this.