Chapter 156: Past Hatred (Part Two)

  Having heard the mocking tone in Kavi's voice, Xia Ya dryly laughed and couldn't help but glance up at the stairs.

  "No need to look anymore, I'm the only one coming down." Kavihir's expression was calm and indifferent, as if nothing had happened.

  Xia Ya let out a sound, her eyes wide with fear. She mustered up the courage to look at Kaviel, who seemed to have already guessed what she was going to say. With a nonchalant tone, he said: "You two sneaking around and hiding here, aren't you afraid of being discovered by the master? Minas may be lenient in other matters, but as far as I know, he treasures this mansion's Wenxin Pavilion dearly. Hmm... You must have been brought here by that little Rodi acting on his own accord. That kid doesn't know the secrets of this mansion, and if Minas finds out about this, I'm afraid Rodi's legs will be broken."

  The poor insect's face turned red, this house was borrowed by her from Roddy, she is the daughter of the royal family, and has been familiar with Roddy, the son of Duke Minas, since childhood. Moreover, Roddy's sister is married to Crown Prince Garcia, so they are all relatives after all, and naturally have a close relationship. If tonight's events bring bad luck to Roddy, she will naturally feel guilty.

  Kavihill gazed at the two young people. He seemed to have seen through everything, but deliberately focused his eyes only on Xia Ya, and suddenly asked in a cold tone: "Xia Ya, you've been hiding in the dark all along, I'm sure you heard a lot of my conversation with Duke Minas?"

  Xia Ya's heart tightened, and he wanted to deny it on the spot. But then he thought that he was pretending to be a good person. It might be okay to deceive others, but this old man was definitely not someone who could be deceived by him. He might as well appear more honest, so he nodded and said: "That's right. I did hear something."

  "Hmm, so, did you know who this house originally belonged to?"

  Xia Ya's heart skipped a beat as he gazed at Kavi's strange eyes, and an answer had already floated to the surface of his mind, but when it came to speaking, he still couldn't quite believe it, shaking his head on purpose: "This mansion should be the former residence of that legendary Tulip family, right? Isn't it now owned by Duke Minas?"

  Although he said it simply, his heart was filled with anxiety. He couldn't help but steal a glance at Kaviel. The wise man didn't get angry, but instead looked at Shaya with a smile that held three parts of deep meaning: "Cunning little guy. Indeed worthy of being taught by that person——hmm, even the appearance of pretending to be foolish is just like his back then."

  He paused for a moment, and then Kavishir let out another sigh. This time, his eyes gradually revealed a faint sense of sorrow, and he said in a low voice: "Are you afraid to say it, or are you afraid to believe it? Listen, I'll tell you the truth. This mansion originally belonged to that person! And before that person left, they gave it to Minas." At this point, Kavishir let out a cold laugh: "Shaya, don't tell me you still don't understand who 'that person' is?"

  Xia Ya's heart was racing wildly as she stared at Kavi: "That person... you said... the old man he... he..."

  Tulip family's former residence!

  Osugi arrives at the Azuma family's old mansion!

  That was "that person's" industry back then!

  So to say... So to say...

  Xia Ya suddenly remembered the giant statue in the military department's Eagle Nest; the man standing proudly on horseback...

  Osceola... Tulip... Old Man?!

  The First Family of the Empire!

  The most legendary and mysterious family on the mainland!

  The greatest founder of the emperor's eyes! Even the founding emperor was overshadowed by his brilliance! The capital of the empire is named after a minister's name!!

  Kavihr looked at Shaya's shocked face, but the old man remained calm and only responded in a low voice: "It can't be... He is the descendant of that family."

  For a moment, the three people in the dark room fell silent. Xia Ya was naturally shocked in her heart, thinking of the old man's life and their interactions, that old man was sometimes crude and sometimes rascal, but where did he have half the demeanor of a legendary family heir?

  As for the poor worm, Edlin was born into royalty and knew more about the secrets of the tulip family than Shaya did. At this moment, Edlin also opened her mouth wide and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. She too had understood the conversation between Kaviel and Gusiya.

  Could it be... a descendant of the Osgerlia tulip family... Shaya's adoptive father, that country bumpkin?!

  "You, don't try to fool me. I'm not that easy to deceive." Xia Ya shook his head and widened his eyes: "This... the descendants of the Tulip family have been extinct for hundreds of years already."

  "Hmm... is it severed?" Kavihir's eyes flashed with a hint of a smile, but this thread of a smile was eerily cold and desolate.

  This most famous sage of the Imperial City slowly walked to the side of the stairs, and simply sat down on the ground, looking at Xia Ya: "Alright, since today's update of Wenhua Hall has encountered you here, let it be my first lesson as an old humble man, teaching you."

  Teacher!!!

  The poor bug's eyes widened and he covered his mouth with his hand. He couldn't help but glance at the toad, while Xia Ya beside him was somewhat annoyed: "Hey, Kavihir, don't talk to yourself, I didn't agree to acknowledge you as my master."

  "You will bow." Kavihir seemed to think the question was beneath him, brushing it off with a light sentence before continuing: "So for our first lesson, I'll have to correct your historical knowledge. Hmm...the Tulip family's bloodline was severed? If you were just an ordinary person, then yes, that's how it would be written in the Continental Chronicles...but the truth of history isn't always found in these official records."

  Xia Ya was somewhat dissatisfied, but the tulip family mentioned at this moment had a connection with the old man, and he couldn't help but feel uneasy about the matter of becoming an apprentice... As for the dispute over Kavi Hill, anyway, Lao Tzu would not kowtow, could he still force Lao Tzu's head to bow?!

  "Tell me, what's going on?"

  If the old man is a descendant of the Tulip family... damn! Then he should be the heir to the dukedom, the first noble family of the empire!! How could he hide in such a godforsaken place like Wildfire Prairie, living in poverty?

  "So, I'll ask you first, do you know how the last Tulip Duke of the Osgiliath family died?" Kavishir glanced at Shaya, his face smiling but his eyes razor-sharp! Seeing Shaya's bewildered expression, he turned to look at the poor guy and said indifferently: "This kid hasn't read many books, but you should have at least read those Continental Chronicles, right?"

  The poor worm was swept by Caville's gaze. Suddenly, he was frightened and hastily said: "Yes, I have seen it."

  "Hmm, then go ahead and tell this kid."

  The poor insect was extremely afraid of Cavishill. He hastily and honestly said: "In the Continental History, there is a volume dedicated to the Tulip family. At the end of the volume, it is written that... The Tulip family has lasted for 400 years, and after the founding of the empire, they have passed down for 13 generations. The last generation's head, Lukos Gillia, was the Grand Duke and Imperial Marshal at the time. He had experienced 17 wars, big and small, and made countless contributions to the empire. This Grand Duke was extremely powerful and one of the few strongmen on the continent at that time. Unfortunately, after many years of war, he left behind many wounded soldiers and old illnesses. In his 39th year, he finally passed away..."

  "Very good." Kavihr said lightly: "You recite well, it seems that you have also worked hard in your daily life."

  The poor insect trembled with fear, and although it heard Kavi's praise, it didn't dare respond, shrinking its head and hiding behind Shaya.

  "Hmph... Old wounds and illnesses? How absurd! In the past, every generation of the Hyacinth family's great nobles were the strongest on the continent. According to what I know, among the thirteen generations of great nobles, the weakest was the sixth generation's great noble. That great noble was frail and sickly from birth, with a congenital condition that had been hidden since infancy. However, even so, that great noble's strength reached the level of a Saint-class warrior! He lived to be fifty-four years old! Think about it, the last Lucrezia Great Noble, in his youth, was recognized as a genius throughout the empire, with a strong and healthy body. It is said that at thirty years old, he had already become a Saint-class warrior. To achieve such greatness before the age of thirty, throughout history, there have been fewer than twenty people! And... once one's strength reaches the level of a Saint-class warrior, how could ordinary wounds and illnesses possibly take his life? Hmph... After many years in the military, having old wounds is true, and having chronic illnesses is not false either. However... these were not the cause of his death."

  Xia Ya's heart was racing wildly, knowing that Kavihir's words were definitely true! And... this might be a hidden truth!

  Kavi's expression was somewhat sentimental, and he let out a long sigh, saying in a low voice: "In those days, within the imperial palace... The emperor at that time set up a killing game, first deceiving Duke Luk into drinking a bottle of poisoned wine... That poisonous wine was said to be concocted by the greatest alchemist on the continent..."

  Xia Ya's face changed color. He already knew that any skilled alchemist was well-versed in magical potion-making.

  "A bottle of poisonous wine, said to be so potent that even a golden dragon couldn't withstand it. Hmph!" Kavishir muttered in a low voice: "Later on, the two great mages of the empire at the time, as well as three Saint-level warriors, launched a siege! Inside the palace, there were 3,000 iron-clad imperial guards and 1,000 strong bows and crossbows firing in unison!! In that battle, even the last generation's Luk Duke, despite his formidable strength, ultimately couldn't escape. But the tragic extent of that battle left one's heart trembling. The 3,000 iron-clad imperial guards suffered heavy losses, with over half of them killed or injured. Six hundred members of the royal guard died in action, and the Night Imperial Guard was completely annihilated, not a single person survived! Two great mages, one was killed on the spot, and the other was severely injured. And among the three Saint-level warriors who participated in the siege, two were killed and one was injured! In the end, even the castle in front of the palace collapsed during that battle, and afterwards they had to announce to the outside world that it was a natural disaster caused by an earthquake. The collapsed castle took three years to repair."

  Xia Ya's mouth was dry and his tongue was parched, he couldn't help but ask: "How did you know about things that happened hundreds of years ago?"

  Kavihill glanced at him and said lightly: "I just know."

  This answer is somewhat unreasonable, but with his identity, Xia Ya didn't dare to question the authenticity of the other party's words. Kaviel said such an important thing and was so sure that he naturally had a source of information.

  "That war, the Byzantine Emperor destroyed the pillar of the empire, the cornerstone that had protected the empire for 400 years, the Yu Jinxiang family, was slaughtered by the emperor in the palace. Hmph... Although this matter was later sealed and locked, almost all the soldiers who participated in that war were silenced after the fact, and the royal family announced to the outside world that Duke Lu Ke had died of illness... However, such things, no matter how hidden, will always be known by those with a mind."

  The Tulip family served the Empire for four hundred years. The final fall was such a scene... Hmph, isn't it chilling? And since then, there have been few strong people on the mainland who are willing to serve the Taohua country again!

  The emperor continued to pretend, and that emperor himself understood that treating the imperial meritorious officials in this way would inevitably lose people's hearts. So, Wén Xīn Gé covered up the truth of the matter, while showing favor to the daughter of the last Duke of Luk. However, the daughter of the last duke soon fell ill and died after that incident... Hmph! Another death from illness! A perfectly healthy person originally had a good body, but just said die and then died. The Tulip family's bloodline was cut off from then on... Ha!

  Xia Ya listened and remained silent for a long time, then shook his head and said: "What you said is too strange... why would the emperor deal such a poisonous hand to the pillars of the empire?"

  Kavi Hill sneered: "If you were an emperor, the capital of a country was named after the name of a minister, could you bear it?"

  Xia Ya listened, seemingly deep in thought, and nodded first. But then she shook her head: "This reason makes some sense, but it's not convincing either. The naming of Osgiliath was at the time of the empire's founding, more than 400 years after the last Grand Duke's death. If the imperial family had been worried about being overthrown by a powerful subject, they wouldn't have waited 400 years to take action. Moreover, I've heard that the successive Tulip Grand Dukes were loyal and dedicated to the empire, never abusing their power or showing any ambition..."

  "Not in his position, not plotting his politics." Kavihr sneered back: "You're not the emperor, so you don't understand the emperor's mind. No matter if the ministers under him have shown ambition or not, but the power is too heavy. It threatens the imperial power, so even if the minister is loyal, the emperor will be uneasy."

  He paused for a moment and smiled: "However, your first doubt makes sense. Even if you want to kill the meritorious officials, you won't wait 400 years to take action. There must be a reason here too."

  Kaviel looked at Shaya and said slowly, "After the founding of the empire, every emperor had complex thoughts about the Tulip family. On one hand, the empire needed the strong protection of the Tulip family, but on the other hand, they were worried that the Tulip family's high status would threaten their own rule. For hundreds of years, although the Tulip family made countless contributions and the imperial court had to give them unlimited respect, secretly, measures to restrict them never stopped! It's just that this family is too powerful... Hmph... Other families may occasionally produce a few outstanding figures, but it's impossible for every generation to be exceptional. Even if they are prosperous at first, there will always be one or two mediocre and foolish people in the process of inheritance. Even the imperial court isn't immune to this; not every emperor is wise... But this Tulip family, I even suspect that they were blessed by heaven! Every generation's successor is an outstanding genius! After thirteen generations since the founding of the empire, there hasn't been a single failure! Each generation's grand duke was a peerless figure in their time!"

  Such a result... If the emperor at that time was a wise and just ruler, perhaps he could have taken care of the overall situation, putting the country first, or maybe the emperor himself had exceptional means to control such an overbearing minister.

  But if one day we encounter a ruler who is unconscious... then once something contradictory happens, things will be difficult to say.

  Things in the world often turn out to be so subtle, seemingly unrelated things are linked together and become the key to turning the tide! Even tiny details like sand grains, when placed at a critical juncture, can change the course of events!

  The last generation of Duke Luke himself was not wrong, but the emperor at that time, although not a famous and wise monarch, objectively speaking, nor was he a foolish ruler. It's just that... at that time, he had to take action against the Tulip family! Even if he didn't want to in his heart, he couldn't help but take action! He had no choice but to kill!"

  Xia Ya didn't say a word, but the expression on her face seemed to write out a sentence "why".

  Kavi smiled slightly: "The emperor of the empire at that time, unfortunately, he also experienced a period of military service in his youth - this is not surprising. The Byzantine Empire has been established for hundreds of years, and the borders are not very peaceful. All emperors have had personal experience leading troops to battle. However, that emperor was special. His military career in his youth, although not as meritorious as his predecessors, was still a successful one. Unfortunately, he was unlucky and suffered serious injuries in a young age during a war, and although he recovered after returning, he left behind a lifelong hidden problem."

  "What's wrong?"

  Kavi sighed and slowly said: "It can't be helped."

  Xia Ya was taken aback for a moment, then burst out laughing: "Damn it! Isn't that the worst luck? The great Emperor of the Empire, actually... actually damn it, he's not good enough?"

  "This doesn't matter." Kavihir sneered: "But in the imperial family, this is not a small matter. Fortunately, that emperor had already given birth to a son when he was young, and he also had an heir. So, even if he had physical problems later on and couldn't... it wasn't too much of a hindrance. After he was injured, knowing he could no longer be human, he early on established his only son from the Wenxin Hall as the crown prince, and in order to ensure his son's position, he cut off the ambitions of the imperial family members, even going so far as to think of ways to kill his own two brothers! This way, his son became the sole heir to the empire!"

  This approach was originally not unreasonable. The power struggle within the royal family has been devoid of affection for generations! Although this emperor's methods are somewhat cruel, looking at the history of the royal family, which one is a kind and gentle person? But the problem lies with his only son.

  Because of the early years of following the army to war, it was inevitable that the education of that prince would be somewhat neglected. That prince is said to be arrogant and domineering, frivolous and dissolute. At a young age, he lacked discipline in his daily life, and it's unknown how many misdeeds he committed.

  What's even more unfortunate is that the prince was only fourteen years old at the time and had offended someone he shouldn't have!

  "Who?" Xia Ya was indeed enchanted and subconsciously asked back.

  It is said that the prince, at the age of 14, fell in love with the daughter of the last Duke of Luk, but was rejected. He then resorted to some unscrupulous means - he was originally a foolish person, and the Hyacinth family was crucial to the empire, but how could he care about that? His lust had consumed his heart, and he thought only of himself as the future emperor, doing whatever he pleased. The Hyacinth family, although a ducal house, was nothing more than a loyal dog to him. After repeated entanglements, he finally enraged Duke Luk. It is said that Duke Luk had originally chosen a fiancé for his daughter, a young and talented military officer. However, the prince took advantage of Duke Luk's absence while leading an expedition, and at a banquet in the imperial capital, got drunk and molested the duke's daughter. The duke's daughter's fiancé intervened but was beaten to death by the prince and several noble rascals along with their guards.

  This incident sowed discord between the imperial family and the Tulip family. When Grand Duke Luke returned from his expedition, he learned of this matter and publicly broke one of the prince's legs! If it were not for the fact that Grand Duke Luke spared his life out of respect for their lord-vassal relationship, he would have killed the prince on the spot. He heavily punished him instead, hoping that the emperor would properly discipline the prince in the future.

  Unfortunately, the prince was a real good-for-nothing. After that incident, he harbored resentment in his heart and several times publicly shouted in private gatherings: In the future, once he ascends to the throne, he will definitely eradicate the Tulip family to vent his hatred.

  Imagine, such a ridiculous and absurd person, although these words were spoken in private, but somehow the news still reached the ears of the last Duke Lu Ke. The last Duke Lu Ke knew about it but didn't react much, however, when that emperor found out about his son's behavior, he couldn't help but have some thoughts!

  That prince was the heir to the throne at that time, and because of the emperor's physical condition, he could no longer have other sons. This prince, even if he was not worthy, was the only candidate. The throne could only be inherited by him, and there was no one else besides him.

  But this future emperor and the Tulip family are like fire and water! I'm afraid that after he ascends to the throne, he will really make a move to eradicate the Tulip family - you have to know, in this world, there are always some people whose foolishness is unimaginable.

  But that emperor, knowing his son better than anyone else, naturally understood what kind of person his son was. If he were to die in the future and his son became the emperor, and if he were to take action against the Tulip family... With the prestige and power of the Tulip family in the empire, how could his own useless son be a match for them? By that time, even if the Tulip family did not have any ambitions to usurp the throne, but if they were forced into a desperate situation... it would be hard to say what would happen.

  However, several times with the intention of resolving hatred, Grand Duke Luke has shown enough magnanimity, but that grass bag prince is not dependent on it, and his heart has never been willing to cut off the idea of revenge. In the end, the emperor, in a desperate situation, could only... make a ruthless decision!

  Since his own son will inevitably bring disaster, rather than waiting for this son to succeed and seek his own death, it's better to... take a hard heart while he is still in power!

  If there were other candidates for the throne, then that emperor would not be considered incompetent and would likely take care of the overall situation and change the crown prince candidate. After all, the Tulip family is too important to the empire. However, in a situation where the crown prince cannot be replaced, the only choice is to sacrifice the Tulip family!

  So, on that day, a killing formation was set up in the imperial palace! Under the pretext of an invitation to a banquet, the last Duke of Luk was lured into the palace and tricked into drinking poisoned wine. Then, with skilled hands and elite soldiers, they launched a fierce attack. Finally, the pillar of the empire was beaten to death!

  It is said that Grand Duke Luk even at the time of his death did not believe that it was by order of the Emperor that he was to be killed.

  Finally, he was severely injured and exhausted, his whole body covered in blood. When facing the emperor, he still left a few words behind.

  Kavi Hill said here, silent for a long time.

  The poor thing beside her had already turned pale with fright. Although she was a princess, how could she have known about such clandestine matters?

  Xia Ya's face turned red with rage, his eyes bulging with indignation: "Shameless! The ultimate shamelessness! What else can the last great duke and that dog emperor say?"

  Kavi Hill smiled wryly and took a deep breath:

  "The Grand Duke asked: 'After I die, if an enemy invades our borders, who will resolve it?'"

  The Emperor replied: I will lead the troops myself. Although my military skills are not as good as yours, with the prestige of the Emperor leading the army, it should be able to boost morale and there shouldn't be any major issues.

  The Grand Duke asked again: After I die, if someone asks Your Majesty about this, what will you say to explain the gains and losses of people's hearts?

  The Emperor replied: The Duke died of illness and was buried with good fortune, this matter is not spread.

  The Duke asked again: "If the Crown Prince is without virtue and even if he kills me, who will control him in the future?"

  The Emperor remained silent for a long time before responding, "The Crown Prince is still young. As for the future, he may become a wise ruler or a foolish one... it's all uncertain."

  The Grand Duke listened and laughed loudly: Since future events are uncertain, why kill me today?

  The Emperor replied: I dare not usurp Lu's place

  The Grand Duke listened, his eyes bleeding, and spoke loudly: Alas, my tulip family has been loyal for 400 years, thirteen generations of loyal souls not scattered! But it was cut off by a single sentence, "It doesn't exist!"

  It is said that before his death, the great duke pointed to the sky and swore: The empire was founded by my tulip family, now you Clemenceau family has destroyed its own pillars, it will surely be punished! This empire was founded by my tulip family, and in the future it will also be destroyed by my tulip family!

  After finishing speaking, Taizong died with a lingering grievance.

  Kavi Hill said up to here, and then he didn't speak anymore. He let out a long sigh and looked away in silence.

  Xia Ya heard this, Wen's face turned red with rage, his eyes blazing with fury. Suddenly, he punched the wall with great force and shouted loudly: "I'm so angry I could die!!!!! What a damned emperor!!!! Why should that Duke Yu Jin be loyal to him!!!! If it were me, I would have rebelled against him long ago!!!!"