Stronger by Killing

At that time, he was still just an Innate Realm Martial Artist, with no foundation in Pingyang Prefecture. Zuo Yang had served as an Embroidered Uniform Guard in Pingyang Prefecture for decades, held great prestige, and was the first to charge into battle for him. Afterwards, in Pingyang City, the entire city’s Martial World people hunted him, and Zuo Yang always stayed by his side.

During that battle,

Zuo Yang, dragging his severely wounded body, held an umbrella and fought off the Martial World for him. He had once said to Zuo Yang—"After tonight, in Pingyang City, you will be second only to me."

Later, as he grew,

Zuo Yang naturally couldn’t keep up with his pace and remained in Pingyang City. At that time, Gu Zhan let him take over the Embroidered Uniform Guard Thousand Households post in Pingyang Prefecture, and also instructed the Pingyang Gu Family to look after Zuo Yang. Afterward, they hadn’t seen each other again, never expecting to meet here today.

Kou Baimen, at the side, chuckled and said, "Prince, you deal with so many affairs daily, you may have forgotten. Last year, during the reform in Yunxi, you specifically instructed me, saying Lord Zuo is getting on in years and should not go on fighting and killing with the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Upon hearing this, Zuo Yang’s expression trembled, his eyes misted with tears, and he hurriedly bowed, saying, "Your servant, your servant is useless, unable to lessen the Prince’s worries and even making the Prince worry for your servant. The Prince’s kindness, your servant...your servant..."

Gu Zhan supported Zuo Yang’s arm, helping him up, and gently patted his shoulder, saying, "I remember your son was also in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. He’s a good seed. Raise him well!"

Zuo Yang said, moved, "Your servant will certainly raise him well, will not betray the Prince’s grace!"

Gu Zhan smiled, not saying more. He knew Kou Baimen was helping him win hearts. In truth, after instructing the Gu Family to look after Zuo Yang, he hadn’t mentioned it to anyone else. He was advancing so quickly, there was hardly time to care about much.

However, Kou Baimen was attentive and had considered many things for him.

Zuo Yang hurriedly invited Gu Zhan and the others in.

"Prince, Alliance Leader Kou, please come in, Mr. Sword One, please come in!"

The group entered,

Gu Zhan and Kou Baimen walked at the front. Gu Zhan whispered, "You really are attentive, you’ve considered much for me."

"That’s only what I should do. Prince, you’re to achieve great things, how could such trivial matters trouble you?" Kou Baimen said.

"Who have you arranged?" Gu Zhan asked.

"Mm," Kou Baimen replied softly, "Those trusted aides of yours from the early days in Linjiang City—Chen Fei, Ma Lang, Ma Long, Hu Yidao, and so on. Zuo Yang, Wu Xiang from Pingyang Prefecture, as well as those from Beidou Bang, all have been properly arranged by me for you, Prince!"

Gu Zhan nodded slightly, "Thank you for your hard work."

Kou Baimen, with a look of plaintive longing, said, "I ask nothing for myself, only hope that the Prince will have a small place for me in your heart. Alas, it’s only my own bad luck—this belly of mine hasn’t given Prince a son or daughter, what a fate!"

Gu Zhan glanced at Kou Baimen, who was putting on a show, and smiled lightly, saying nothing more.

Previously, when he visited Kou Baimen’s courtyard often, there had been some chance to have a child. As for now, unless Kou Baimen could keep up with his pace, elevate her life’s level to match his, it was nearly impossible to conceive. This was a difference in life levels.

Of course, Gu Zhan wouldn’t tell Kou Baimen this,

He had many women in his Prince’s Mansion rear court, and Kou Baimen, being capable and powerful, with a Martial Arts Alliance background, was currently the most prestigious among them.

But Kou Baimen clearly wasn’t content with this,

She knew Gu Zhan was a man incapable of affection, and knew he had no intention to take wives or concubines. She had forfeited her own reputation to climb into Gu Zhan’s bed, seeing clearly his potential.

Having followed Gu Zhan for so long, she understood even more—he was a man whom she could neither keep his heart nor his body. Though what she gained had already far exceeded expectations, she did not wish to stop here. But she also knew she couldn’t keep up with Gu Zhan’s pace, so could only find ways to add weight to her scales,

And what weight could be more valuable than bearing a child?

Especially after the Gu Family relocated to Yunzhou as a whole, her sense of urgency grew heavier, and she watched Qingcheng most closely each day.

Later, the Royal Family became involved, sending many of the Ji Family to Yunzhou, including the most beautiful female of the Ji Family generation.

Though neither Qingcheng nor those Royal Family women have been touched by Gu Zhan yet, Kou Baimen felt the pressure. Both families’ backgrounds were stronger than her own Martial Arts Alliance, and she still hadn’t gained status through childbirth, so could only try every means to ease Gu Zhan’s burdens.

Gu Zhan was more than happy about it—someone was working tirelessly for him, leaving him to enjoy leisure.

Kou Baimen, of course, did not know it was impossible for her to bear Gu Zhan’s child, still planning to try other remedies again someday.

"Hmm, I heard there’s a famed doctor in Sword King City. Must find some time to pay a visit!" Kou Baimen mused quietly to herself.

Soon, the group came to a grand hall.

Gu Zhan took the main seat, looked at Zuo Yang and the other officials, and asked, "Zuo Yang, what is the matter with this plague in the city?"

Zuo Yang hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Prince, though your servant has no evidence, your servant can basically confirm—this plague is man-made."

Gu Zhan spoke coldly, "And that so-called Celestial Star Cave Immortal?"

Zuo Yang nodded, "Seven days ago, that person who called himself Yellow Dragon Immortal arrived on a cloud. A group of children rode crane mounts, causing a huge stir in the city. He also left words about calamity descending from heaven, unsettling everyone."

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