Chapter 1298: Chapter 1298: All That Work for Nothing

Ning Hongde felt that he had taught countless students, and the one he was most proud of was the Crown Prince of Xia Country. In those years, he pursued the honor of becoming the Emperor’s Master wholeheartedly. Alas, fate was unkind, the Xia Country’s political scene was corrupt, and most officials were mere merchants of titles and ranks. Some had not even read a book but became County Magistrates, leading to immense public resentment.

How could such a Xia Country not fail?

The past is best not discussed. He had nurtured Xia Houzhe for many years, hoping he could achieve at least half of what the Crown Prince could, but to his surprise...

He had educated a brainless person.

One wrong step leads to another.

Lineage truly cannot be ignored at times. The son of a mere lowly washermaid is indeed difficult to raise. Had he been born of the Crown Princess Consort, would his lineage be like this?

Ning felt heartbroken and couldn’t help but cough violently.

Zhang Zhi quickly helped to soothe his back, while Tong Qian went to the table, poured a cup of water, and brought it to his lips.

After moistening his lips, Ning said: "The Lord is already a trapped beast, and with the matter of the screen, whether out of personal motives or for the sake of the Great Qing, Emperor Chu will never let him regain freedom. To prevent him from revealing everything in a moment of extremity, all known bases and personnel must be evacuated."

"Sir, if that’s the case, when the time comes..." how could you escape?

"I don’t matter," Ning replied with a bitter smile, "The Ning family is being escorted to Shangjing. If I don’t show up, Emperor Chu will vent his anger on the Ning clan. I have already failed the Crown Prince, if I fail the Ning family too, then on the road to the underworld, I’m afraid I will be devoured by a hundred ghosts, never to be reborn."

The two felt chills in their hearts.

"You should leave the capital, escort Young Master Dong back to the main camp, and for at least five years, do not speak of rebellion, otherwise, we will certainly be defeated." Ning said, "You, Tong Qian, must personally educate Young Master Dong. If Xia Country has no chance of revival, then live in hiding like the old members of the tribe, forgetting your origins, at least retaining some bloodline for the Crown Prince."

This tone carried a touch of helplessness.

Zhang Zhi said, "My life is yours, teacher. I will only accompany you, I don’t care about others."

"You little rascal, are you not listening to me now?" Ning pretended to be stern.

Zhang Zhi knelt down and bowed his head, "Wherever you are, teacher, there Zhang Zhi will be."

Ning’s throat tightened, and anger ultimately turned into a sigh, "Get up then."

Only then did Zhang Zhi rise from the ground.

Tong Qian added, "We can send people to rescue the Ning family."

"The Ning family, numbering at least a hundred, how could we rescue them? It would cost too many lives, I cannot be so selfish." Ning licked his lips and said, "Leave the capital immediately, if possible, intercept Hong’er, and fulfill my intentions."

He spoke of Hong’er, his great-grandson, only seven years old this year, asking Tong Qian to rescue him was merely a precaution.

Tong Qian knew from his instructions that Ning had made up his mind. He felt somewhat heavy-hearted but agreed.

Ning instructed a few more things, already fatigued beyond measure. His eyes half-closed, his face pale, the two did not dare let him exert further, quickly helping him lie down, and only after he slept did they leave the room.

Only neither noticed that once they left, Ning opened his eyes, staring at the top of the tent, lost in thought, tears sliding down his face.

The matter of revival, whether a matter of timing or fate, in the end, was just a futile endeavor.

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