After chatting with the old eunuch for a while, Du Chengfeng finally understood the situation over in Jiankang.

It turned out that the Southern Chen Emperor he had killed before was originally just a Prime Minister, and on the day he sneaked into the imperial palace, this Prime Minister, who held sway over the court, was in the midst of usurping the throne, having just donned the dragon robe.

Unfortunately, that treacherous minister, on his first day in power, hadn’t even warmed the dragon throne with his behind before he was cleaved by Du Chengfeng’s sword.

Du Chengfeng had fled back to Yizhou City, waiting for experts to come knocking at his door. Yet little did he know, just the day after he left, the civil and military officials reinstated the original young emperor and began the purge of the treacherous minister’s remnants—of course, during this process, there were inevitably those who wished to claim the glory of restoring order for themselves.

But the problem was, the words still remained on the main hall floor.

"The killer, Du Chengfeng of Yizhou."

Those eight large characters were written on the ground, seen clearly by everyone. No one dared to erase the words, lest Du Chengfeng come killing again.

So after much contemplation, the civil and military officials discarded any thoughts of greed and collectively petitioned the emperor to reward this meritorious official.

As for Du Chengfeng being a rebel before... such details didn’t matter. After all, it was an accomplishment of restoring order and supporting the rightful ruler, so who would care about any past rebel status?

"Moreover, I have heard from others, your matter was originally taken over by the Prime Minister’s Mansion... It was likely that treacherous minister causing trouble, forcing you, a loyal and good person, into being a rebel!"

The old eunuch was indignant, as if he himself had been the one wronged.

"I’ve already heard that you fought your way down from Jibei against the people of the grasslands. How can such a loyal and brave person be a rebel? Look, look at the scar on your arm, surely it was from the curved blade of a grassland person..."

"That was from a cat scratching me when I was teasing it at a teashop entrance a few days ago."

Du Chengfeng awkwardly withdrew his arm, unable to withstand the eunuch’s touch.

Fortunately, the old eunuch also noticed Du Chengfeng’s discomfort, and with an awkward smile, he withdrew, though his gaze still lingered on Du Chengfeng, sending a shiver down Du Chengfeng’s spine.

"Can we discuss something, could you turn your head first?"

Scratching his head, Du Chengfeng decided to voice his opinion directly.

"No offense, I just feel a bit disgusted."

"I just have never seen such a robust man as the warrior... no, no."

Seeing Du Chengfeng grab his halberd in anger, the old eunuch hastily waved his hands to explain.

"I merely felt a sense of yearning. After all, as you can see, warrior, I’ve been cut since I was a child, so I can’t be considered a man, and naturally can’t grow so robust. Seeing you, I can’t help but imagine what it would be like if even I could be so strong..."

"Ah, well then."

The raised halberd couldn’t be swung down.

Du Chengfeng initially thought the old eunuch had some other intention, perhaps like Qian Jin, the commander who garrisoned Yizhou, harboring some peculiar interest—now it seemed this eunuch was also a pitiful person, not to the extent he deserved to be struck down.

After this unexpected turn, the two sides actually became more acquainted. Du Chengfeng was easygoing, and the old eunuch had also set aside the airs of a palace person. With Liu Bolun having some stored wine, a lively banquet ensued where host and guest enjoyed themselves.

After the banquet that night, the old eunuch again sought out Du Chengfeng.

This time, the eunuch came to urge Du Chengfeng to leave.

Though the Jiankang court had decided on the rewards, the extent of these rewards was yet to be determined. Primarily, they needed to see Du Chengfeng the person first. Otherwise, based solely on those words in the hall, who knew what rewards to give?

So in any case, Du Chengfeng needed to make another trip to Jiankang. After some communication, they’d know how to proceed and the rewards could truly be dispensed.

"So you really have to go?"

Du Chengfeng began to scratch his head.

"I’ve just come back from a long trip and now I have to leave again, can’t I rest for a bit?"

"Well... if you need a rest, far be it from me to say otherwise."

The eunuch bit his lip, yet continued speaking.

"But the court is currently unstable, that treacherous minister may be dead, but his remnants still lurk in the shadows. His Majesty alone cannot sustain the burden. I ask you, warrior, for the sake of this great Chen, for the sake of the common people..."

"If he can’t handle it, isn’t that his own problem? What does it have to do with me?"

Du Chengfeng scratched his head even harder.

He didn’t know this Southern Chen Emperor, so why should he rush to work for him? Even if it were for the Chens, ultimately he wasn’t Chen’s people. What did the Chen’s affairs have to do with him?

As for the sake of the common people...

He wasn’t that arrogant.

Even if he had acquired some skills, he still considered himself just one among the crowd and didn’t think he could decide anyone’s fate, nor believed he could play a savior role and save others just because he had some skills.

To live one’s life, ultimately one must forge their own path. Relying on others means the mountain may collapse, the water may dry up.

Life will find its own way, but that way is not as easy as it sounds.

Du Chengfeng had walked that road himself, so he knew precisely how arduous it was.

Sometimes, that path could even be said to be carved out through conflict.

"So you’d better go back."

Shaking his head, Du Chengfeng sighed.

"If it’s just to help your emperor, then forget it. If he can’t make himself stronger, no one else going there can save him."

"This..."

Upon hearing Du Chengfeng’s blunt refusal, the eunuch fell silent.

He had anticipated what criticisms he might face, yet the response Du Chengfeng gave rendered him speechless—for indeed, as Du Chengfeng said, if the emperor couldn’t stand on his own, what use would it be even if Du Chengfeng were there?

"Then... sorry to disturb you, warrior."

After a moment of thought, the eunuch finally sighed deeply.

"Since the warrior is unwilling to come out of the mountain, I shall go myself to the arsenal, retrieve the Divine Soldiers of which protect the nation for you. Though aged and weak, unlike you, I might even sacrifice my life..."

"Hold on? What did you just say? What Divine Soldiers?"

Du Chengfeng was instantly wide awake.