Not Even the Bark Remains

Inside the secret archives of the Xuanwu Kingdom.

This was the highest classified repository of the Xuanwu Kingdom, where the truths of many past dynastic secrets were stored.

Alongside these truths, there were also collections of strange tales and anecdotes.

Unofficial histories were included as well—after all, some events in the official records were simply too outrageous. Recording them would serve no purpose other than making future generations laugh at their ancestors' foolishness.

No one wanted to be mocked by their descendants after death, so such histories were sealed away.

Subsequent emperors, faced with these mysterious gaps, naturally grew curious.

Thus, they would gather folk legends and unofficial accounts to fill in the blanks.

The guiding principle? Accuracy didn’t matter—just as long as there was something to say.

Zhao Xuan was flipping through a book with utmost seriousness. Once he confirmed its contents, he quickly stood up and hurried over to Chu Xingchen’s desk, placing the book before him.

"Senior, look at this!" he said earnestly. "Here are some fascinating anecdotes about the founding emperor and empress—and they even involve the Xuanwu!"

At these words, Li Yingling, who had been swiftly handling official documents nearby, paused and cast an exasperated glance at Zhao Xuan.

Digging up wild stories about one’s own ancestors—now that was true filial piety.

And this man’s ability to flip allegiances was even faster than his master’s.

His moral compass? Even lower.

Initially, Zhao Xuan had been skeptical of his master’s somewhat radical policies.

But after a private half-hour conversation with Chu Xingchen, though visibly reluctant, Zhao Xuan began enforcing those policies with strict precision.

During those uncertain times, Zhao Xuan had yet to open the secret archives to the public. Li Yingling and Chu Xingchen were still working in the document repository, coordinating with Li Xingtian in Cangzhou.

While searching through records, Li Yingling often noticed Zhao Xuan wandering around with a grim expression, as if he were marching to his execution.

He lingered in the document repository, even processing urgent dispatches there.

Yet, he never dared to directly question his master—only sighing and shaking his head in silence.

He said nothing, yet his meaning was crystal clear.

Fortunately, his master had a soft heart and couldn’t stand seeing someone mope in front of him.

So he simply kicked Zhao Xuan out of the repository.

Once expelled, Zhao Xuan wouldn’t return that day.

After all, even an emperor had his dignity—so he’d usually come back the next morning.

This went on for some time, until the refugee crisis in Chizhou was safely resolved.

Only then did Zhao Xuan abandon his dramatic performances, his expression shifting from gloom to awe.

The emperor of the Xuanwu Kingdom had begun his transformation.

Especially when the rebels, just as his master predicted, launched desperate assaults on the cities at any cost.

Facts didn’t lie—the situation in Chizhou suddenly became clear, and the rebels, having altered their strategy, seized the initiative.

By this point, Zhao Xuan had surpassed even Li Yingling in devotion, practically ready to warm his master’s bed himself.

Originally, Li Yingling had been the one searching through records while Zhao Xuan handled state affairs.

But Zhao Xuan soon decided that serving tea and offering solicitous care wasn’t enough.

He stunned Li Yingling by declaring:

"As a descendant of the Zhao family, I should be the one researching our ancestors’ deeds. Senior, urgent matters like these are better left to me!"

"As for state affairs—leave them to your senior disciple! A great master naturally produces outstanding students!"

After reviewing Li Yingling’s memorials, he was even more reassured.

Chu Xingchen could only watch Zhao Xuan’s newfound reverence with mild exasperation.

The man was now even more sycophantic than Xiao Zheng had been back in the day.

With a sigh, Chu Xingchen said, "There’s no need for this. I preferred your earlier, more defiant self."

"Defiant? I was just young and hot-headed," Zhao Xuan replied sheepishly before swiftly changing the subject, pointing at the book.

"Look here—my great-grandmother—"

Chu Xingchen glanced at the contents and immediately raised a hand to cut him off.

This so-called "collection of anecdotes" might as well have been titled The Untold Stories of the Founding Empress.

It wouldn’t feel out of place among the raciest of novels—far too scandalous for Li Yingling’s young ears.

"Enough about your great-grandmother. Let’s spare her some dignity," Chu Xingchen said dryly.

"Fine, I take it back. Find me something actually substantial to read, will you?"

Zhao Xuan nodded obediently, offering no argument, and immediately turned to leave.

Just as he reached the bookshelves in search of a less outrageous account, Chu Xingchen called out:

"Recently, I saw military reports saying Jinshui City is on the brink. Did you follow my instructions?"

Zhao Xuan hurriedly nodded. "Of course! All supplies that could be moved were taken; the rest were burned. Even edible wild plants were uprooted."

"And the other cities beyond Jinshui? Were the same preparations made?"

"Everything is ready."

"Then proceed as planned." Chu Xingchen gave a slight nod and stood. "Yingling, put down the memorials. It’s time to go."

Li Yingling’s eyes lit up as she immediately dropped her brush.

Handling state affairs wasn’t difficult, but it was tedious and dull.

Being emperor was utterly joyless—far better to follow her master and witness the wonders only cultivators could see.

Zhao Xuan blinked in surprise and took a few steps forward. "Senior, where are you going?"

Chu Xingchen stretched lazily. "I stayed this long because I was worried you’d overthink things—not because your kingdom’s unofficial histories were so precious."

"No matter how exaggerated those tales are, they’re still just stories."

"Now that the situation is clear, the rebels pose no real threat as long as you handle them properly. The Xuanwu Kingdom’s foundations are solid."

"What you should focus on is Chizhou. That’s where the real problem lies. Remember my words—"

"When it’s time to hang them… or execute them, do it."

"I’ll go see what kind of mastermind we’re dealing with."

Zhao Xuan understood and didn’t press further, simply bowing deeply.

"Thank you, Senior. This kindness will not be forgotten."

"Cut the flattery. What use is a small kingdom’s gratitude to me?" Chu Xingchen strode toward the exit.

"Just remember your own words—you are the people’s sovereign and father."

Zhao Xuan bowed even lower in response.

---

Jinshui City.

Yu Zhu stood grimly before a pile of ruins—what had once been Jinshui City’s official granary.

The generals beside him remained silent.

No one understood the importance of provisions better than military men.

Soon, a scholar rushed over, his voice trembling as he reported:

"We’ve searched the entire city—not a single grain of rice remains. Nothing edible was left behind."

"Even the wild herbs were dug up completely, and…"

Yu Zhu took a deep breath. "And what?!"

"And they even stripped the bark from the nearby trees!"