My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion-Chapter 85 - 70: How is there another one?

"We’re here to attend the poetry gathering. What are you trying to do?!"

"Lin Ge’lao, Lin Ge’lao, you must provide an explanation!"

"Outrageous! What are you doing? What is the meaning of this?"

At some unknown moment, a group of robust servants had surrounded the Lin residence’s main hall, blocking every exit. The court officials present were struck with terror, completely unprepared for such a turn of events.

Chen Yi stood silently, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold.

Who could have predicted that a well-organized poetry gathering would abruptly transform into a coup? Nearly seventy percent of the court officials in the capital were confined within the Lin residence. Tomorrow, the Fengtian Hall would be utterly empty during the morning court assembly.

The main hall was in chaos. Lin Ge’lao, dressed in a Daoist robe, furrowed his brows, appearing completely caught off guard by today’s events. He shouted:

"Where is Yan’er? Call Yan’er here! Have him come explain this to me properly!"

Before the servants could rush off to find Lin Yan, the figure of the second young master of the Lin family appeared in the main hall, escorted by several highly skilled guards.

Chen Yi cast a quick glance, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Among them, there was even a master of the Third Rank.

The individual’s face was ashen, clad in black, resembling the Black Wuchang who drags souls into the depths of hell. His aura of deadly hostility was enough to silence the squabbling civil officials.

It seemed Lin Yan indeed had the confidence to stage a coup.

But... this scenario was completely unfamiliar to him...

Chen Yi delved into thought. In none of his past experiences had he ever come across a scene where the Lin residence was the epicenter of a coup. It felt as though this plotline did not exist before.

"Everyone, please do not be alarmed. Today’s actions are out of necessity."

Lin Yan cupped his hands toward the crowd and spoke.

His appearance eased the tense atmosphere in the main hall slightly. Then Lin Yan took out a prepared proclamation and read aloud:

"Our Great Yu’s founding emperor built this nation upon virtue and wisdom, bringing submission from all corners of the world. The late emperor was astute and benevolent, ushering in the signs of a resurgence. Yet now, the court is mired in filth and chaos, with countless matters languishing unresolved. Tracing the calamity back to its roots, the culprit is none other than the imperial kin, the source of devastation no greater than Jingren Palace..."

Chen Yi scratched his ear awkwardly; he was unaccustomed to listening to such impassioned speeches.

Be it the Lin Party or Ding’an Party, at their core, both were merely jockeying for power, with the distinction that the Ding’an Party cared more about appearance and some semblance of the common people’s welfare. Chen Yi held some esteem for upright officials, but he felt no affinity for either faction.

Lin Yan’s impassioned speech concluded, leaving the hall momentarily silent. A storm of rebuttals seemed to be brewing, yet Lin Yan casually dropped a reminder:

"Gentlemen, your family members are likely still enjoying the gardens and flowers."

At this statement, the momentum of dissent was immediately quelled, and Lin Yan seized the opportunity to urge the officials to sign the proclamation, joining forces to pressure the throne.

......

After securing control of the court officials, Lin Yan escorted Chen Yi to a side chamber.

Within the chamber, Lin Wanxiao quietly tended to the tea. She said nothing, simply ensuring the tea was prepared.

"Chen Qianhu, I leave everything in your capable hands."

Lin Yan cupped his hands politely and added,

"Now it merely requires you to take control of the Eastern Factory, and this righteous endeavor will surely be successful."

Chen Yi seemed distracted, his gaze wandering, focusing mostly on Lin Yan, yet occasionally drifting toward Lin Wanxiao.

The Lin Family’s young lady carried herself with grace and dignity, her features naturally serene and demure. However, to Chen Yi, her beauty appeared somewhat lacking. His gaze fixed upon her forehead, and he finally understood the reason: she was missing the plum blossom makeup pattern. If her snow-white brow were adorned with three petal-like plum blossoms, her originally delicate beauty would instantly be enriched; otherwise, gazing at her overall appearance, one felt her beauty was isolated and incomplete.

Lin Wanxiao, noticing this unfamiliar man’s intermittent stares, blushed slightly at the ears, a sense of disgust rising within her heart. Still, she remained silent and composed on the surface.

Chen Yi shifted his attention back to Lin Yan and remarked:

"Your plan is well-conceived, Second Young Master, but... relying solely on the Eastern Factory might not be sufficient to force that demon empress to relinquish power and step down. She still holds control of the West Factory and Xique Pavilion."

Lin Yan’s expression flickered at these words, but he responded confidently:

"I am far from being reckless. Half a month ago, the Forbidden Army’s western camp agreed to support this righteous cause. Moreover, two months ago, the Prince of Annan pledged his allegiance, vowing to remove the demon empress from power. If my calculations are correct, the Prince of Annan should have already mobilized forces toward Yuyong City and will reach the capital within seven days."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi nodded slightly. With even the Prince of Annan drawn into the fray, it seemed the Lin residence was thoroughly prepared for success.

The Prince of Annan, a non-royal vassal king guarding the southern border of Great Yu, commanded thirty thousand elite soldiers.

By convening officials under the pretext of a poetry gathering, persuading the Forbidden Army’s western battalion to join, recruiting a non-royal king’s forces, allying with one of the three Great Demons—the Donkey-headed Crown Prince—and assigning Chen Yi to oversee the Eastern Factory, Lin Yan was effectively consolidating both political and military power. The Lin family’s coup plan was nothing short of meticulous and elaborate.

"Second Young Master Lin, there is just one question I must ask. Is this righteous endeavor truly conceived by Lin Ge’lao himself?"

Chen Yi queried.

"Since Chen Qianhu has raised this question, I shall answer candidly. This matter is entirely unrelated to my father; it is a pursuit born solely of my own will."

Seeking to win Chen Yi’s trust, Lin Yan revealed everything:

"The demon empress has thrown the court into disorder and committed innumerable atrocities. My Lin family has expended heart and soul for the court, yet she intends to discard us like birds cast aside and bows hidden after their utility. My father is still alive, yet she has resurrected the case of the former prime minister. Look at the Prince of Xiang—his downfall serves as a stark warning. If we do not seize this opportunity now, the moment my father passes, the Lin family will meet the same tragic fate!"

Chen Yi nodded faintly but remained unfazed by Lin Yan’s impassioned speech.

Noticing this, Lin Yan realized the crux of the issue—Chen Yi had once benefited from the empress dowager’s favor.

Thus, he let slip a secret:

"Chen Qianhu, have you ever wondered why the empress dowager chose to employ you?"

"What do you mean...?" Chen Yi raised an eyebrow.

"Have you ever heard of... the Chen Family of the Jin Country?"

Of course, Chen Yi had heard of the Chen Family of Jin. Then, a sudden sense of unease struck him.

Lin Yan slowly laid everything bare:

"In the sixteenth year of the Qingying era, Western Jin attacked Luoyong City of Great Yu. Every woman, child, and elder in the city was slaughtered, including the main bloodline of the An family.

Chen Qianhu, the empress dowager chose you not because of your loyalty to the court, but because you are her sworn enemy. Her intent is to employ her nemesis until the day she annihilates the Chen Family of Jin entirely—to exact revenge for the massacre that drenched her in blood!"

As these words reached Chen Yi’s ears, his expression shifted at last, eyes narrowing faintly.

Lin Yan believed this revelation would decisively sway the Qianhu to his side.

But for some inexplicable reason, a seed of uncertainty stirred within him.

"So, she has... a familial blood feud with me?"

Chen Yi asked slowly.

Victory! Lin Yan clenched his fists.

He had succeeded in swaying this opportunistic Qianhu of the West Factory! The demon empress’s reign was nearing its end...

.............

Above the lotus pond, Zhou Yitang seemed to sense something.

"Movement is quick."

Yin Tingxue glanced at Zhou Yitang in confusion.

"What movement?"

"A coup attempt." Zhou Yitang casually replied, "The Lin family is staging a coup against the empress dowager."

Yin Tingxue froze in astonishment.

"How... how dare they... attempt a coup against that demon empress..."

Then, realization dawned on her.

"You knew about it all along?"

"Yes." Zhou Yitang did not deny it.

"Why... why would you know?" Yin Tingxue persisted.

"Because... I am one of them."

The one-armed woman spoke evenly.

This was but one step in her and Yu Zhen Yuanjun’s plan.

She would obtain Chen Yi after he severed the three corpses, while Yu Zhen Yuanjun would gain a direct disciple who comprehended true detachment. Both would... secure what they sought.

Hearing the one-armed woman’s words, the daughter of the Prince of Xiang realized with growing certainty that Zhou Yitang’s identity was undeniably extraordinary. Coupled with her single arm, her identity became all but clear.

"You, you’re... you must be..."

Yin Tingxue stammered, having dreamed of this woman before.

"My Daoist title is Tongxuan."

The one-armed woman said calmly.

Even with prior expectation, Yin Tingxue could not entirely suppress her shock.

After regaining her composure, Yin Tingxue silently cursed Chen Yi in her heart.

That villain!

Of all people, why did he provoke the Sword Armor of Yin Sword Mountain?!

Yin Tingxue greatly wished to grab Chen Yi by the ear and scold him thoroughly.

But imagining the scene, she realized it was more likely Chen Yi would grab her by the ear and bully her instead... The thought unnerved her, and she dared not think further.

"It’s time to send you back. I left a strand of Sword Intent upon you that will ensure your safety."

Hearing Zhou Yitang’s words, Yin Tingxue recalled the moment she had felt Zhou’s hand on her head.

So, that was when the Sword Armor had planted the Sword Intent upon her.

"Thank you..." Yin Tingxue expressed her gratitude.

"No need; it’s only because of him. He cares about you."

Zhou Yitang said softly.

Yin Tingxue felt flattered upon hearing this but soon relaxed, allowing herself to appreciate the sentiment. Then, a thought struck her, prompting her to speak:

"Could you plant a strand of Sword Intent on someone else as well?"

"Why?" Zhou Yitang frowned.

"Chen Yi also... cares about her."

With that, Yin Tingxue turned and pointed toward the shore.

The silhouette of a brave, handsome woman dressed as a man came into view. Zhou Jianjia’s face darkened instantly, her tone icy:

"How is there another?"

She became increasingly convinced: those three corpses of Chen Yi simply must be severed.