Chapter 158: Clear Skies After Rain?

Is the Storm Over? The Capital Rogue's Shamelessness.

Fair weather after the storm? Ha, no, the black tide has only just begun to surge. I'm discussing Ning Yi's rage and... cruelty.

A couple of days ago, unable to suppress a sudden urge, I posted a review of the "Black Tide" chapter, lamenting how we had all been deceived. Today, after seeing the comment section flooded with lengthy discussions, I suddenly felt like burying my face in my pillow and bursting into laughter. Then, I contentedly told myself, "See? You weren't the only one deceived, and you realized it relatively early."

Don't believe me? Let's analyze this step by step.

In my previous review, "Black Tide? Black Tide?", I used some 'speculation' to analyze Ning Yi's character and the intensity of his anger during this outburst. Naturally, only Banana (the author) knows if my analysis is correct. However, to continue this discussion, I must first assume my previous analysis was accurate. In that last piece, I concluded that Ning Yi, within a few minutes, laid a chilling trap, but I didn't know what that trap was. Since I didn't know then, let's analyze it now.

First, we need to understand a fundamental question: the objective. Ning Yi's motive for setting this trap was anger, but what exactly is his goal? Only by knowing his core objective can we gradually deduce whether Ning Yi's every action is reasonable. So, can anyone tell me: what is the objective of Ning Yi's scheme?

Unfortunately, no one but Banana can tell me. Therefore, until Banana reveals the answer, we can only use the existing clues to speculate and analyze.

Based on Ning Yi's consistent attitude and recent statements, it's clear he isn't averse to his current identity and status. On the contrary, he thoroughly enjoys it and has no desire to return to his old ways. His declaration, which I interpret as a declaration of war—"You people have gone too far, not even allowing an in-marrying son-in-law to live in peace"—also indicates his strong desire to maintain this lifestyle. Therefore, restoring his previous life is a crucial part of his overall objective.

How can he restore his previous life? His wife is the future head of the family, so even as an in-marrying son-in-law, irrelevant people are outwardly respectful and dare not overstep. The Su family's status is considerable, ensuring he isn't oppressed by either the underworld or the legitimate world. He appears capable yet inscrutable, so outsiders are wary and show him respect. He maintains a low profile but occasionally demonstrates his prowess, which draws women from curiosity to affection, leading them to offer him their devotion (the reviewer humorously notes: "the beast"). His calm demeanor makes the maids think, "Our son-in-law is truly formidable" (the reviewer adds: "even worse than a beast"). And because he lacks ambition and is willing to let go, Tan'er (his wife) suggests, "Let's consummate our marriage" (the reviewer wryly notes: "quietly sharpening a cleaver"). All these factors contribute to his current desirable life. To restore it, he must first preserve all these 'causes,' which is the prerequisite. So, how can he arrange a scheme that ensures subsequent developments meet this prerequisite?

Let's put the previous question aside for now and analyze the next phase. Once the scheme secures the preservation of his current life, the next component of his objective will be his unbridled fury. Given Ning Yi's character—vicious, cunning, ruthless, brazen, and vengeful (a personality I’ve long wanted to curse, and it feels so satisfying to finally do so!)—the trap he sets in his rage should be immensely destructive and ruthlessly effective. Those who harm my family, who seek to annihilate my entire clan, who want to seize my wife's authority—yes, even those who covet my wife, who want a share, who side with the enemy, who try to mediate, who secretly gloat, who merely watch the show, or even those who are just indifferent bystanders—everyone, don't be idle! The game has begun. May you all perish! Let the Pure Lotus Fire become a world-destroying blaze, reducing this filthy world to ashes in Ning Yi's wrath. This, I believe, is Ning Yi's second objective: to unleash his anger. This anger, stemming from the 'giant's' provoked pride, is directed not at a specific person or event, but at everyone—all the insignificant, ignorant individuals who dare to futilely challenge him. So, how will Ning Yi design his scheme to achieve this component of his objective? That also remains an open question.

The third and final part I can analyze is establishing his authority. This objective aligns with the first component: to ensure his comfortable, 'kept man' lifestyle—where he humorously envisions himself 'warming beds'—is no longer disturbed, allowing him to truly live in peace (the reviewer humorously adds, 'like a beast, or even worse – I really want to throttle someone!'). Ning Yi needs to ensure that others will not dare to act rashly in the future. However, how can he achieve this deterrent effect without destroying his previous image or interfering with his 'seeking to be kept and warming beds' persona? How will he manage this delicate balance? This, too, remains an open question.

Now, I believe I've identified Ning Yi's objectives for his scheme: maintaining his previous life, venting his anger and hatred, and ensuring long-term stability. Given Ning Yi's character, as long as these objectives are achieved, everything else is negligible, expendable, and can be abandoned. Making a fool of himself or losing face? What's that worth, a few copper coins? Imperial merchant? What is that, can it be used for breast implants? The Weaving Bureau? Is that something you can eat? Dividing the family or property? Oh, just kill me now.

These seemingly important details are actually just a facade. From beginning to end, Ning Yi's ultimate objectives for his scheme are concentrated on the three points I mentioned earlier. If you review the past twenty or so chapters with these three goals in mind, perhaps you, my friends, will discover some very interesting small details, each aligning with one of these objectives.

Have you discovered them?