Strategy to Capture That Scum Gong

Chapter 55 - Gossip: That Scoundrel that Captured Zhen

Translated by Eve

Edited by Kara

Chapters in this arc: There were 17 chapters in this arc but because of rewriting, the 5th and 14th chapter is now gone. As far as I know, the content is still there. The content of each chapter just seems to have been rearranged.

New warning tags. Most of this is already mentioned in this first chapter but more details come later and they’re much more explicit. These warnings apply to the characters/roles of this world, not Xie He or ML themselves: Mentioned past child abuse, including past child sexual abuse. Mentions of incest.

1. Gossip: That Scoundrel that Captured Zhen

【Ding. Transfer to the new world is complete. Memory transmission in progress....】

Xie He’s body was named Jing Zhao in this world. He was an Emperor. Although he was the Emperor, his life was actually a bit unfortunate.

The previous Emperor, the Chengyuan Emperor, had fallen in love with his half sister, Princess Qianhui, who was thus locked into the depths of his harem. As such, Jing Zhao was the product of this messy relationship. Princess Qianhui hated the child she had been forced to bear. She was extremely indifferent towards him and ignored his presence. Her body was already weak, and she had been depressed. A few years later, she died from illness.

The Chengyuan Emperor’s Empress Bian was an ambitious woman. However, although she had entered the Emperor’s harem eight years ago, the Emperor had never touched her. Princess Qianhui’s death gave her a chance. In order to attain the Emperor’s favour, the Empress took the initiative to ask to be Jing Zhao’s foster mother. She tried to use Jing Zhao to win over the Emperor.

Jing Zhao had never experienced a mother’s love since he was young. From a very young age, he had also fallen into a vicious woman’s hands. The Empress treated him well at first. However, she very quickly discovered that it was useless to use Jing Zhao to gain favour. The Chengyuan Emperor’s heart seemed to have died. Even if Princess Qianhui had died, he still wouldn’t take a single glance at any other woman. The Empress had originally had a heart full of grievances. She finally could no longer bear it. She vented all of her hate onto the seven-year-old child. From then on, Jing Zhao suffered all sorts of torment in the dark, and yet, no one noticed.

The Chengyuan Emperor had only had his deceased beloved in his heart. He was negligent towards his only son. Shortly after, he gave up on fighting his illness and perished. He only had Jing Zhao, this one son. Furthermore, Jing Zhao had been raised under the Empress’ name, so he was the rightful heir. The Empress teamed up with her maiden family to smoothly push Jing Zhao onto the throne. From then on, she governed from behind the scenes as the Empress Dowager while keeping handsome male companions.

Jing Zhao took the throne at ten years old. Although he was the Emperor, his days had not taken a turn for the better. Not only was he a figurehead, but he was also always controlled by Lady Bian. He was still forced to endure torment and humiliation. The torment he suffered when he was young had made him a calculative and extremely patient person. He slowly grew up under such harsh conditions. In front of Lady Bian, he lowered himself, making Lady Bian fall complacent as she regarded him with disdain. That was until he turned sixteen. Then, he borrowed his Imperial Uncle, Prince An’s—personal name: Jing Heng— power to eradicate the Bian clan in one stroke. That night was a bloodbath. Jing Zhao had personally chopped off Empress Bian’s head and then hung it on the city gates for seven days and seven nights.

The first thing Jing Zhao had done when he gained back his power was massacre the entire court. Everyone who knew about his unbearable past had been beheaded except for the eunuch, Yang Xian, who had helped him when he had been in dire straits. Yang Xian stayed by his side as his trusted aide. Furthermore, because of his fear, after acquiring power, he ended up expelling Prince An from the Capital, never allowing him to return under the Emperor’s imperial decree.

At this time, he had truly become an Emperor. However, because of his painful memories from his childhood, Jing Zhao was apathetic and warped. He could not suppress the sadism and cruelty inside himself. He became a tyrant not only in name but also in reality. He liked to torture beautiful youths and would frequently seize men from the populace, placing them in his harem. An uncountable number of male pets had died under his hand. Any officials who rebuked him would be ruthlessly murdered. Submit to me and prosper, or oppose me and perish. For a long time, no one dared to speak. He didn’t care about the drought that lasted many years either. He wasted manpower and resources to wantonly build his own tomb, increasing the taxes to exorbitant levels and causing his people to have no way of getting by.

Only a few years had passed, but there were great waves billowing in the dark in Jin Country. The monarch was at odds with his ministers. An immeasurable amount of people wanted him to die quickly.

Xie He summarized this information. This was a story about a youth who had developed a psychological shadow in his childhood. When he grew up, he took revenge on society. The greater the power, the more damage that could be done.

【Xie He：Baby, I think that it is for sure that this Emperor will not have a good end.】

【444：Oh....】

【Xie He：I really can’t OOC? I want to exchange for an army of T-0000 combat robots with laser particle guns. That way, I can dominate the world and proclaim the entirety of it as my harem. I can act as Emperor with ease. Smile.JPG】

【444：You can’t, ah!!! Σ( °△°|||)︴That kind of serious law-breaking would cause this world to quickly collapse. Host, you will also be erased!】

【Xie He：I was just joking. :)】

【444：......】Scared him to death. He feels like Host dada’s tone just now was very serious....

【Xie He：Who’s my target this time?】

【444：General Chu Xing.】

【Xie He：Hehe.】

444：QAQ Why did he feel afraid....?

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Xie He ran through his memories that were related to Chu Xing. It could be said that Chu Xing’s contributions could not go unnoticed when examining why Jing Zhao could rule as Emperor at ease for so many years. If Chu Xing hadn’t been campaigning at the frontier, Great Jin would have already been invaded by the enemy nations. This incapable ruler would have also already become a prisoner. It is reasonable to say that this time, as Chu Xing had broken through the enemy nation’s walls and captured the enemy Emperor, his decisive win and triumphant return to court should have been rewarded graciously. However&#k2026;it was too bad that the most recent youth Jing Zhao had toyed to death was Chu Xing’s best comrade-in-arms, Duke Yingguo’s crown prince, Chen Cong’s younger brother.

The Chen clan was very faithful to their posts. The men all fought on the battlefield, leaving only one not-yet-mature, younger brother in the Capital. They did not think that as they fought on the blood-soaked battleground, their only relative would die miserably under the tyrant’s hands. This matter was like a fuse. Add on the support and incitement of the majority of the ministers’ clans, Chu Xing, who had been dissatisfied with Jing Zhao for so long, finally revolted.

Jing Zhao caught news of this rumour. Furthermore, he had seen Chu Xing’s army of 100,000 stationed outside of the Capital. Immediately, he had the thought to strike first to gain the upper hand. He wanted to try and kill Chu Xing, this threat! It was absolutely a clear example of someone abandoning one’s benefactor after achieving one’s goal and getting rid of someone once they’d served their purpose!

Thus, Jing Zhao had a feast set up in the Imperial Palace and invited Chu Xing for dinner. On the surface, he was commending him and bestowing him a reward. But actually, the aim of this banquet was to murder him. He was waiting for Chu Xing to enter the palace, where he will kill him in one stroke!

And, right now was the eve before the feast.

Xie He sat up from his bed. He placed himself before the copper mirror. He was wearing a bright yellow court dress and a tall crown on his head. The man in the mirror had gentle and reserved features, and his body was slender. Although he was not stunning, he had a tear-shaped mole under his right eye. When he smiled, he looked innately charming. This appearance of his really made him lose quite a bit of majestic grace he ought to have as Emperor. Furthermore, because of the coldness in his eyes, it was even more obvious that his temperament was malicious.

He was still quite satisfied with this body though. With his Heartthrob’s Pedigree, he looked like quite the insidious beauty. Xie He raised his brows into a smile, muttering to himself for a while.

From outside came a deferential voice, “Your Majesty, General Chu has arrived.”

Xie He pushed the door open and exited his bedroom. He saw a man dressed in eunuch dress outside, head lowered. His face was pale, and he had thin lips and a high nose. He was handsome but looked rather unkind. Faced with Xie He, he was extremely deferential, expression self-abased. This was Jing Zhao’s trusted aide, Eunuch Yang Xian. He was also Jing Zhao’s sharpest and most obedient knife.

Xie He’s eyes shifted slightly.

【Xie He：Check his Favourability Value.】

【444：The current Favourability Value is 98....】

【Xie He：Indeed, it’s like this. Smile.JPG】If it was after Jing Zhao had gained power, it could be said that Yang Xian was just flattering him because of his powerful position. However, at that time, Jing Zhao had been in dire straits. Why would he have risked his life to save him? Moreover, after so many years, he had never asked for anything back as he guarded over the other silently. He didn’t care about the rest of the world cursing his name, so long as he could make this beauty smile....There was no other reason for doing so except because he loved him, ah.

The corner of Xie He’s lips raised, and he revealed a smile, “Let’s go, ba.”

................................................

The feast was set up in the Imperial Gardens. They arrived very quickly. Xie He held onto Yang Xian’s arm as he descended from the Imperial Carriage. From afar, he could see the figure of a tall man standing in the gardens. The man had both hands behind his back. Although he had taken off his armour and was dressed from head-to-toe in a black chang pao, he still made people perceive a desolate aura of one who had just walked out from a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.

Chu Xing was perceptive. He sensed someone had arrived behind him. He turned around. His grave and stern features were deep and strict. His sharp eyes looked directly at Xie He.

Xie He squinted his eyes. The man’s ice-cold killing intent was truly too obvious. Even if he wanted to ignore it, he couldn’t. It seemed that while Jing Zhao wanted to kill him, he too wanted to kill Jing Zhao. Today, there would be a good show to watch. They would see who was quickest to act.

【Xie He：Check his Favourability Value.】

【444：His Favourability Value is 0. His Blackening Value is 100.】

【Xie He：Baby, this is also possible? Smile.JPG】

【444：This...it’s because you did too well in the previous worlds. You have successfully captured more than one character in every world so far, achieving the main system’s SSS rank. That’s why this world’s difficulty is so much higher. ORZ】

【Xie He：That I can understand. However, it’s reasonable to say that I’m still considered a beginner after only going through three worlds. The difficulty should go up by equal intervals, Baby.】

【444：Maybe this world will be simple!】

【Xie He：Hehe.】

【444：......】

【Xie He：Can I kill him?】

【444：No! Σ( °△°|||)︴If you kill the target, you’ll be given the system’s harshest punishment! And, you will also be deducted 30,000 experience points!】

【Xie He：Oh? Then, should I let him kill me, ne? I don’t think Jing Zhao is a match for Chu Xing.】

【444：Σ( °△°|||)︴Passivity will also cause you to be deducted three-times the experience points! 】

【Xie He：I understand. Indifferent.JPG】

Xie He looked at Chu Xing and smiled kindly, “Beloved Official Chu, you’ve come.”

Chu Xing’s voice was deep and chilly, “Your Majesty.”

He did not kneel nor did he wish the Emperor a long life. He only stood there calmly like a lofty, unmovable mountain. He did not look away or cover up what was in his eyes.

Xie He’s face changed imperceptibly. It seemed that this official didn’t even plan on worrying about giving him face at the very end.

He walked over to his spot and sat down, tone unchanging. He didn’t show any displeasure. Instead, he smiled, “Beloved Official, quickly sit.”

Chu Xing raised one of his sword-like eyebrows. He held back the frost in his eyes. His eyes were like bottomless pits. His thin lips raised into a smile, “Yes.”

He raised the hem of his clothes and slowly sat down, not in the least reserved.

“Beloved Official has made a great accomplishment against the enemy of our nation. Zhen would like to thank you on behalf of the people of Great Jin. Zhen would like to drink to you,” Xie He looked at him, tone rather sincere.

The female servant behind Chu Xing immediately bowed and poured him some fine liquor.

Xie He held the cup of wine up, smiling as he raised his head and finished the wine. He looked into the distance and saw that Chu Xing was still sitting there, not having moved at all. He asked with a smile, “Beloved Official, why have you not drunk? Is it that you are dissatisfied with Zhen?”

Although his tone was happy, there was a hidden chill to it, causing the atmosphere to suddenly plunge into coldness.

Chu Xing gazed at the sparkling and translucent wine. He did not move in the slightest.

The smile on Xie He’s face slowly disappeared. The wine was, of course, poisoned. However, Jing Zhao had already predicted that Chu Xing would not drink it obediently. The real killing method was after. The finger by his side curled slightly. Yang Xian, who was standing behind him, received the signal and suddenly pounced over like a giant roc with wings spread. Following his actions, the hidden Imperial Guards swarmed from all directions!

Just now, they had been celebrating peace with song and dance. In the next moment, it was the glint of cold steel!

Chu Xing had come here unarmed. This was Jing Zhao’s only chance! If he could not behead Chu Xing here today, then the one to die would be him!

Chu Xing sat there calmly. His clearly defined side profile was calm as it had been in the beginning, as if he was foreseen all of this. A sword brushed against his clothes like the wind. When the tip of the blade was only an inch away from him, he suddenly hit the table with great strength! The table immediately flipped up, hitting the people who were attacking him and causing them to fly away! Soon after, he took a step back, both hands going to grab the sword from the Imperial Guard behind him. With one sword, he defeated two people! In the next moment, he pounced over towards Xie He!

Xie He had no military training. Jing Zhao was even weaker. However, Yang Xian wasn’t. He blocked Xie He and directly fought with Chu Xing!

Xie He sat there, not moving. He used an icy gaze to watch the two people in front of him fight.

Under such circumstances, Chu Xing was extremely disadvantaged, because he was only one person. If he could not grab Xie He at once, then he would only die in battle after having to fight an endless stream of people.

Chu Xing obviously knew this. His stern eyes flashed, and he suddenly lifted his sleeve, throwing a cloud of white powder towards Yang Xian. Yang Xian’s expression changed, and he promptly held his breath and dodged. Chu Xing finally found a crack in his guard and pierced him in the arm!

Chu Xing did not continue fighting the others zealously! His goal was evident! To catch the bandits, first, catch the ringleader! He pushed off the ground with both legs, black clothing creating an oppressive scene in the air like a condor sweeping towards his prey! In the next moment, he was behind Xie He, the cold tip of his knife pushed against Xie He’s chin as he spoke in a glacial voice, “Stop!”

Yang Xian saw that Xie He had fallen into Chu Xing’s hands, and his expression immediately changed. He no longer dared to make any unauthorized moves. He used a sharp voice to shout, “Let go of His Majesty!”

Chu Xing turned a deaf ear as if Yang Xian was nothing but a jumping clown hooting in his ear. He bent down, lips touching Xie He’s ear, voice filled with cold killing intent, “Incapable Ruler, today I’ll kill you, enacting justice on behalf of Heaven. How’s that?”

Xie He’s expression was very calm as if there wasn’t a knife to his neck. His voice was insipid, “Zhen had thought that General Chu was a straightforward and upright person. Who’d have known that you would use such despicable methods?”

Chu Xing smiled, “In terms of being despicable, who can compare with Your Majesty?”

At this time, Chu Xing’s subordinates who had been hidden outside had already killed their way in and surrounded the palace. The winner had already been decided!

Xie He looked at the bloodbath that were his subordinates expressionlessly.

Yang Xian was dripping in blood. He was trying to kill his way through the crowd! Xie He shifted his gaze a bit and told him, “Leave!”

With just Yang Xian, he would not be saved today. If he stayed, he would just be giving up his life in vain!

Yang Xian had followed the Emperor’s side for more than a decade. He was the one who could read him the best. How could he not see what Xie He meant? Anxiety burned through him. In a moment of carelessness, he was slashed in the back! He had nearly died right there! He looked up, stared at Chu Xing with red eyes, and finally turned and ran! The soldiers who had surrounded him never thought that he would suddenly turn and run nor were they a match for him. They were killed consecutively until he broke through the entrapment!

It was no use to die here today! He could only escape for now and then wait for an opportunity to save His Majesty. For the sake of His Majesty, he had to live!

Xie He watched Yang Xian escape and finally sighed in relief. This was 8000 experience points, ne. He would feel very distressed if he died like this.

Chu Xing noticed Xie He’s expression. His voice was derisive, “They all say that His Majesty is fickle. He treats human life like it’s grass. Only, it seems that towards that castrated man, you still have a sliver of emotion for him.”

The corner of Xie He’s lips rose, “How can rumours be trusted? If General Chu backs down today, Zhen can let bygones be bygones in light of your meritorious achievements.”

Chu Xing laughed heartily upon hearing this. He suddenly grabbed Xie He by the hair, dragging him down and throwing him directly onto the ground. He towered over him, eyes holding a deeply-rooted frigidness, “Incapable Ruler! Even when nearing death, you still have a glib tongue.”

Xie He did not speak after this. His gaze was dark and cold as he stared at Chu Xing. He slowly climbed up from the ground, patted his clothes, and just stood there, unruffled.

Chu Xing had his eye on him, “Come, lock this Incapable Ruler up!”

Xie He turned and left, not resisting in the least, causing the two soldiers who had stepped up to drag him away to freeze. They knew well of the Emperor’s incredibly terrifying name and did not dare act too impetuous. Therefore, they just followed after him from behind. In the end, it didn’t look like they were escorting a prisoner but like they were protecting him.

Chu Xing coldly took this in. After a while, he instructed his trusted aide, “Go invite Chen Cong into the palace.”

【Xie He：Baby, if I directly slipped out of here, would that be considered breaking the rules?】

【444：That...I’m not too sure. So long as you don’t OOC or slack off and be passive, it shouldn’t be considered breaking the rules, ba...it’s such that if it’s like that, you might be deducted ten thousand experience points.... _(:зゝ∠)_】

【Xie He：So, it seems that I can only do my best to survive. Smile.JPG】

【444：(⊙o⊙) Oh?】Wasn’t Host dada really uninterested just now?

【Xie He：By succeeding the mission, I can keep my ten thousand experience points plus gain a minimum of eighteen thousand experience points. Meanwhile, my other option is incurring a one-time loss of thirty thousand...I’ve never had to make such a disadvantageous business decision before.】

【Xie He：Faced with such difficult circumstances, it seems that I can only reluctantly seduce General Chu, making him put off killing me for the time being. Instead, I’ll have him enact much more inhumane “physical” torture. 🙂 】

【444：......】

【Xie He：Look at his legs, that waist, that explosive strength...tsk tsk, his thing must be big, have good physical energy, and should last a long time. 】

444：So, this was the real reason, huh? How come he didn’t want to respond...._(:зゝ∠)_

Eve: This is the first arc where I’m far enough ahead that I can comment on it...and warning, this is an extremely dark arc. Jing Zhao’s character is really, really sad. His backstory is very upsetting. The story is also full of very cruel and painful things. Be forewarned. Feel free to message me on discord for spoilers in the SCSG novel channel to decide if you want to continue if you are hesitant.

I also started reading another novel by this author. If you want more like SCSG, you might want to check it out. The MC is much less scummy though. ASFAIK, it’s not translated. I started a spoiler thread for it though. I don’t know how in depth I’ll be in spoilering (I’m lazy) but I’ll try to update it when I have time.

Also, the CG Giveaway contest voting has started. Vote here!

Kara: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Am I even ready for this pain? (The answer is no.) Do I even want to keep going? (The answer is yes.) Am I a masochist? (The answer is maybe. OTL) But, the good news is that so are all of you readers! So, let’s not waste any more time! New arc START!