One hundred twenty-six

Why is it always this same move? Lying on the bed, Wang Bo rubbed one of his feet with both hands, staring at the bruised and swollen skin. It was obvious that Zhang Ning had used a great deal of force with that kick.

After this little episode, Wang Bo had proven to Zhang Ning that his body had recovered considerably, while Zhang Ning had proven to Wang Bo that provoking the Holy Maiden carried severe consequences. For the past few days, Wang Bo had not seen a single trace of Zhang Ning; her place had been taken by several burly guards. These men had received strict orders from the Holy Maiden: bring Wang Bo six bowls of talisman water every day and force him to drink it down. Though the men did not understand the reasoning behind Zhang Ning's command, they strictly executed her strategy, watching Wang Bo closely every single day without missing a single drop.

Only then did Wang Bo realize just what kind of divine being he had managed to offend, leaving him utterly helpless and on the verge of tears.

It took a full five days before Wang Bo saw Zhang Ning again. Upon seeing her once more, Wang Bo was exceptionally well-behaved. The nightmarish lifestyle of the past few days had been sheer agony for him, and seeing Zhang Ning again felt like being reunited with a long-lost family member; he had almost burst into tears of relief.

After five days, Zhang Ning's anger had finally subsided, which was why she was willing to visit Wang Bo. However, she was thoroughly startled by Wang Bo's overly enthusiastic reception. Seeing his pitiful state, a trace of pity arose in her heart, making her wonder if she had perhaps gone a bit too far. But the next moment, recalling Wang Bo's shameless behavior, that trace of pity vanished completely, replaced by a sense of lighthearted amusement.

Before he knew it, Wang Bo had been staying in Julu for nearly a month. Under the medical treatment of Zhang Jiao and the care of Zhang Ning, his body had largely recovered. Feeling that it was time to leave, he realized he still had important matters to attend to.

He tactfully expressed his desire to leave to Zhang Ning. At first, she was startled, followed by endless attempts to persuade him to stay. Yet Wang Bo's resolve was immovable; no matter how Zhang Ning tried to dissuade him, his determination remained unshaken.

Seeing that Wang Bo was truly set on leaving, Zhang Ning stopped trying to persuade him, though the ache in her heart was a testament to her deep reluctance to let him go.

"Are you really leaving?" she asked again, enduring the pain in her chest.

"Yes," Wang Bo nodded firmly, without the slightest hesitation.

"Where are you going? Why can't you stay?" Hearing of his departure once more, Zhang Ning felt an even sharper pang in her heart and blurted out the questions.

"He is so resolute; does he not feel even a shred of attachment to this place?" she thought in agony, a mist of tears veering across her eyes.

"Stay?" Wang Bo murmured unconsciously, his previously resolute expression faltering slightly.

"Yes, stay!" Seeing that Wang Bo was wavering, Zhang Ning eagerly urged him, her hands involuntarily reaching out to grab his sleeve.

Her sudden action startled Wang Bo. Yet, looking at her charming face, a deep sense of satisfaction immediately followed. He longed to tell Zhang Ning that he would stay, but the words refused to pass his lips.

In the end, Wang Bo shook his head.

"You—" Seeing him shake his head again, Zhang Ning could no longer control her sorrow. She turned and ran out, unable to hold back her tears. Without him realizing it, Wang Bo had already grown to occupy a massive weight in the young Holy Maiden's heart.

This was understandable, after all. Although Zhang Ning was the Holy Maiden, she rarely came into contact with strange men, especially those of her own age. If she had not accidentally crossed paths with Wang Bo, she would likely have continued living her ordinary routine. Ever since meeting him, however, she had found herself harboring a lingering attachment—one that had slowly transformed from initial guilt and sympathy into an irrepressible, heartfelt affection.

Watching Zhang Ning run out with her face covered, Wang Bo initially wanted to chase after her, but after a second thought, he halted his steps and let her leave.

"He who hesitates is lost. I had better put an end to these far-fetched thoughts sooner rather than later." Wang Bo shook his head, turned back into the room, and began packing his belongings to prepare for his departure.

In truth, there was very little to pack. Wang Bo simply took off the fine clothes he had been given and changed back into his original beggar's attire. The hair that had been neatly tied up for him was undone once more.

Just as Wang Bo was ready to leave, Zhang Jiao walked in leisurely. Seeing Wang Bo's outfit, Zhang Jiao remained entirely calm and said nothing at all.

Wang Bo was not surprised by Zhang Jiao's entrance; after all, Zhang Ning had run out crying with her face covered. If Zhang Jiao had not appeared, Wang Bo would have found it strange. His coming was for the best, saving Wang Bo the trouble of seeking him out.

"I heard you are leaving," Zhang Jiao said calmly, his tone devoid of any ripple.

"Yes," Wang Bo nodded. At this moment, his attitude was firm; his resolve to leave was set.

"Why?" Zhang Jiao's question was concise and direct, yet it truly stumped Wang Bo.

He racked his brains but had no idea how to reply. Could he say that staying would only lead to self-destruction? Obviously, Wang Bo dared not voice such words aloud. But how was he to answer Zhang Jiao?

"I wonder what plans the Grand Preceptor has for the future?" Wang Bo suddenly asked. Since he did not know how to explain himself, he might as well change the subject.

"What do you mean by this?" Zhang Jiao asked with a hint of confusion.

"I simply want to know how the Grand Preceptor views the world." Wang Bo stood with his hands behind his back, his tone calm. Set against the backdrop of his beggar's clothes, he cut a rather unique figure.

"The world?" Zhang Jiao remained puzzled, having no idea what Wang Bo was getting at.

"Yes," Wang Bo nodded proudly.

"Society and the imperial court are dark, and the people cannot make a living." Zhang Jiao shook his head, uttering those twelve characters. As he spoke, Wang Bo distinctly noticed that Zhang Jiao's expression grew somewhat dim, and sorrow flickered across his usually calm face.

"Then what does the Grand Preceptor plan to do?" Wang Bo continued.

"Plan?" Zhang Jiao raised his head to stare at Wang Bo, his expression exceptionally stern. "What are you trying to say, or rather, what do you know?"

"I am not trying to say anything, nor do I know anything. I merely wish to tell the Grand Preceptor this: throughout history, he who wins the hearts of the people wins the world." Although Wang Bo put on a facade of composure, his back was already soaked with sweat. Zhang Jiao's aura was formidable; under his intense gaze, Wang Bo could barely hold his ground.

"Is that so?" Zhang Jiao found it hard to believe Wang Bo's evasive, rogue-like pretense of ignorance. A trace of killing intent leaked from his body, making it even harder for the already strained Wang Bo to maintain his posture.

"When the nation prospers, the people suffer; when the nation perishes, the people still suffer. The ones who suffer most in this world are the common folk. I only wish to advise the Grand Preceptor to treat the people well." Enduring Zhang Jiao's overwhelming presence, Wang Bo spoke with steady calmness while continuously psyching himself up.

"Prospers, the people suffer; perishes, the people suffer." Zhang Jiao repeated the words to himself, his inner thoughts completely unreadable.

"Furthermore, do not underestimate the people of the world. Men act while Heaven watches. Does the Grand Preceptor really believe that no one else in the Han dynasty knows what you are doing?" Feeling Zhang Jiao withdraw his oppressive aura, Wang Bo immediately dropped another blockbuster.

"What?" Zhang Jiao stared at Wang Bo in astonishment.

"Grand Preceptor, you use talisman water to cure illnesses and gather followers. Over the past decade, your numbers have reached hundreds of thousands, spreading across the eight provinces of Qing, Xu, You, Ji, Jing, Yang, Yan, and Yu. Would anyone believe you harbor no other intentions?" Wang Bo continued to expose him.

"What?" This time, Zhang Jiao looked even more shocked. He had thought his actions were utterly seamless, yet he never expected a mere youth to be so thoroughly aware of everything.

"Could it be that I truly underestimated the people of the world?" Zhang Jiao muttered to himself.

"Very well. That is all I have to say." With that, Wang Bo hoisted his tattered bundle onto his back. Just as he reached the door, he suddenly thought of something, turned his head, and added, "Oh, and one final piece of advice: disaster is born from the heart, so beware of those closest to you." This time, Wang Bo walked out without looking back.

Once outside Zhang Jiao's residence, Wang Bo did not linger. He had dropped so many secrets all at once, and he had no idea whether Zhang Jiao could accept them. In case the man failed to see reason and decided to detain him, the losses would outweigh the gains. Fortunately, Wang Bo had prepared several days' worth of food and water in advance, so without stopping, he headed straight for the city gate.

Just as he was about to leave the city, Wang Bo heard someone calling his name from behind. How many people in Julu even knew him? It had to be Zhang Jiao coming after him. Thinking this, Wang Bo quickened his pace even more.

"Wait! Wait!" Seeing Wang Bo's retreating figure, Zhang Ning cried out urgently.

The crowds at the city gate all stopped to watch. Zhang Ning was a prominent figure in Julu; everyone knew her, and no one was unfamiliar with her face.

Seeing that the faster they called, the faster Wang Bo walked, Zhang Ning had a flash of inspiration. Pointing at his retreating back, she shouted, "Stop that little beggar!"

Only then did Wang Bo find the voice calling him somewhat familiar, but just as he wanted to turn his head back, he was surrounded by a crowd of indignant followers.

Looking at the unfriendly expressions of the townspeople, Wang Bo wanted to cry. Whose ox did I gore to deserve this?

"Run, go on, run!" Zhang Ning walked over with graceful steps, her face full of triumphant smiles. It was clear she was extremely satisfied with her impromptu idea.

"Ah, so it's the Holy Maiden," Wang Bo said with a forced smile.

"What Holy Maiden or no Holy Maiden? Call me by my name," Zhang Ning said, placing her hands on her hips, fully displaying her queenly demeanor.

"Uh, alright then," Wang Bo shamelessly yielded, then asked, "I wonder why Ning'er has blocked my path?" His skill at pushing his luck had reached perfection; just a moment ago she was the Holy Maiden, and now she had become "Ning'er."

Hearing him call her Ning'er, Zhang Ning's face flushed red. She touched her slightly heated cheeks and cast a sidelong glance at him.

In that instant, Wang Bo felt as though his soul had left his body.

"What are you looking at?" Seeing his unsightly expression, Zhang Ning felt a brief surge of annoyance.

Seeing that the Holy Maiden and the beggar were so familiar with one another, the crowd surrounding Wang Bo withdrew their hostile expressions, all exchanging knowing looks. So the Holy Maiden was human after all, and capable of experiencing the stirrings of romance. Naturally, none of them dared to voice that thought aloud.

"Why were you running faster the louder I called just now? Were you trying to avoid me?"

"Well, you see..." Facing Zhang Ning's accusation, Wang Bo had no idea how to respond. Could he tell her, "I thought the person behind me was sent by your old man to hunt me down"? Obviously, that was out of the question.

"What about it?" Zhang Ning glared at him and continued, "Where are you planning to go? Will we ever see each other again?"

"To Yingchuan. As for whether we'll meet again, that will depend on fate," Wang Bo answered truthfully.

On a desolate dirt road, a ragged beggar held a silk handkerchief, his face glowing with a happy, foolish smile. Indeed, that foolishly smiling beggar was none other than our classmate Wang Bo. The silk handkerchief in his hands was a parting gift from Zhang Ning—one that could practically be considered a token of love.

Stowing the handkerchief back into his tunic and thinking of how Zhang Ning had shoved it into his hands with a blushing face as he left, Wang Bo felt immensely blessed. He never imagined that a Holy Maiden could possess such boldness. Yet, when he recalled that there was also a young woman in Zhending City who had thrown caution to the wind for his sake, he felt a deep sense of guilt toward her.

"Sigh... In my past life, I never even had a girlfriend. Who would have thought that upon coming to the Three Kingdoms era, I'd have two beautiful women fall for me? Truly, the ways of the world are unpredictable," Wang Bo shook his head, sighing with emotion.

He looked up at the road ahead, feeling somewhat lost. He had considered staying, but no matter what, he could not bring himself to make that final decision. "I hope those words of mine can bring Zhang Jiao some awakening," he muttered to himself. Then, steeling his resolve to head to Yingchuan, he lifted his foot and marched forward.

Looking at the towering city walls before him, Wang Bo wiped the sweat from his forehead.

After several months of arduous travel, he had finally reached Yecheng in Wei Commandery. This was the first historically famous city he had laid eyes on since arriving in the Three Kingdoms era, and by far the most magnificent city he had seen. Yecheng was, after all, one of China's eight ancient capitals, as well as the seat of Ji Province and the administrative center of the Hebei plain. Its grandeur far surpassed that of Zhending and Julu, which Wang Bo had seen previously.

Upon arriving in Yecheng, Wang Bo let out a deep sigh of relief. "I finally didn't walk the wrong way this time." That was his very first thought upon reaching the city gates. Yet it was hard to blame him for being worried; having suffered through two episodes of innocent wandering, he had studied maps in detail, making careful records every time he reached a new place or city to prevent getting lost again. At any rate, his precautions had paid off; he had finally arrived at his destination safe and sound.

With a gaze of awe, Wang Bo followed the crowd as they slowly walked into the city. Once past Yecheng, the Yellow River was not far away; cross the river, and his destination of Yingchuan would be just around the corner. Thinking happily, Wang Bo looked around at the bustling sights of Yecheng.

"As expected of one of the most prosperous major cities in the entire north." The bustling scene inside the city deeply shocked him. After months of travel, Wang Bo considered himself well-traveled and knowledgeable of the world, but the prosperity before his eyes was something he had never witnessed.

"If the seat of Ji Province alone is this prosperous, I can only imagine what the capital Luoyang looks like," Wang Bo marveled. A dull rumble echoed from his stomach. Rubbing his flattened belly, he decided it was time to reward himself. Since he had arrived in such a prosperous city, not treating himself to a proper meal would feel like an injustice.

With this thought in mind, Wang Bo began searching for a restaurant. His luck was not bad; after walking only a short distance, he spotted an eatery that looked decent and walked right in without a second thought.

Seeing a customer arrive, a restaurant server happily hurried forward to greet him. To his surprise, however, the newcomer was a beggar. In an instant, the smile on the server's face turned into utter disgust.

"Out, out! We don't give handouts to beggars here," the server said with a disgusted expression.

Naturally, this beggar was none other than Wang Bo. He was accustomed to such treatment; having walked through so many cities, this was hardly his first time encountering it. Who could blame him? His current attire might keep his personal gear safe, but it came with a heavy debuff of public revulsion.

Seeing that his words had been ignored by a beggar, the server flew into a rage. Slapping a table hard, he barked, "Did you hear me? This isn't a charity hall. If you're looking for handouts, you've come to the wrong place."