"What is it?" Yang Yuzhi asked, puzzled.
"Pride and Prejudice!"
Ling Hao said in a deep voice, "Just like how I’ve never regarded Gu Zhan, because I come from nobility, and Gu Zhan from humble origins. In my subconscious, I’m always above him. No matter his achievements, in my view, he’s just an upstart and a yokel.
Honestly, if it weren’t for my defeat this time, falling into the dust, I probably would never change my arrogance and prejudice against him.
Even I am like this, do you think the Royal Family and Court officials would treat Gu Zhan equally? In their eyes, Gu Zhan is but a Martial Artist, and they maintain a superior stance towards him.
Yet, Gu Zhan as a person..."
Ling Hao chuckled lightly and said, "Yang Yuzhi, you should know better than I what kind of person he is. Tell me, if the officials of the Court and the Royal Family act high and mighty towards him, what would he do?"
Yang Yuzhi furrowed his brow slightly, without speaking.
Ling Hao laughed heartily and said, "I have carefully reviewed Gu Zhan’s life. I find him quite interesting. Despite his humble beginnings, he has never aimed to break or change the rules of the era, nor has he intended to conform. He likes to stand above the rules.
Wherever he goes, it’s the same. If the rules are beneath him, everything is calm, but if the rules are above him, trying to restrain him, he would simply kill, step by step, until he stands above the rules."
Ling Hao sighed and said, "So, Yang Yuzhi, tell me, what is the Court’s attitude towards Gu Zhan? Will they let him co-create the rules, or will they use the rules to oppress him?"
Yang Yuzhi contemplated briefly before saying, "Perhaps it might be different?"
Ling Hao chuckled lightly and said, "Yang Yuzhi, do you believe that yourself? Years ago, you were incredibly talented, yet did you break those arrogance and prejudice? No, if you hadn’t joined Qin You back then, no matter your unmatched talent, would anyone have taken notice? Even if the current Emperor is a good person and disregards origins, he alone cannot influence so many people or that stratum!"
As he spoke,
Ling Hao slowly got up and said, "Yang Yuzhi, this issue is unsolvable. Arrogance and prejudice are ingrained in the bones and cannot be changed. It is the same in every era!"
Yang Yuzhi lowered his head,
For a long time, the wind rose in the courtyard, scattering some dead leaves,
Yang Yuzhi slowly raised his head and said, "I...have done all I can, alas, let it be!"
Ling Hao squinted slightly, slowly bent over, and gently patted Yang Yuzhi’s shoulder, saying, "Yang Yuzhi, you go ahead, I will follow shortly!"
With that,
Ling Hao swung his cloak, drew his sword, and strode outside, leaves swirling around him, as he shouted, "Brothers, follow me into battle, vowing to return or die!"
"Vow to return or die!"
"Vow to return or die!"
The soldiers shouted in unison, charging outside with Ling Hao, the clashing of weapons ringing out, the air thick with murderous intent.
At this moment, in Linjiang City,
The sound of hooves rose in waves,
Signal flares exploded in the sky.
Shouts of battle echoed from all sides of Linjiang City.
The Court’s army arrived, Ling Hao fought to the death!
...
The fierce wind swept through the courtyard, densely filled with falling leaves, drifting like a snowfall of light.
Leaves danced in the sky, appearing somewhat poignant, perhaps due to the citywide battle, or maybe just a leaf or two, like wandering spirits amidst the drifting leaves.
Yang Yuzhi sat beneath the tree, hunched and with his head lowered,
Leaves fell onto his white hair, onto his clothes,
The book he held dropped slowly to the ground,
Covered by swirling dead leaves,
No longer making any sound.