allendalepharm Chapter 170 Swords and Shadows! News of Li Xunhuan!
Chapter 170 Swords and Shadows! News of Li Xunhuan!
Chapter 170 Swords and Shadows! News of Li Xunhuan!
"Hehe, Your Highness is quite the hero today. If I had known you were this capable, we wouldn't have been chased and beaten when we went to steal the wine."
"It's only natural to get beaten for stealing wine, but you want to beat the owner of the stolen wine? Isn't that both impolite and immoral? A person should at least be able to do one of these things."
"Your Highness is absolutely right. We should clink glasses just for that."
"I'll drink as much as you want, but after we're done, you'll have to come with me on my journey."
"Where to?"
"Go ahead and have some fun! I've been holding back for over twenty years, and I finally broke free of this cage. I have to make up for all the losses I've suffered over the years."
"What loss? You've indulged in all sorts of vices over the years, from eating and drinking to gambling and whoring, you've really lived it up. I'm so envious of you."
Chu Yang tapped his chest with his hand.
free.
Li Gexiao remained silent for a long time before smiling bitterly and saying, "Your Highness, I am a useless person. No matter where I go, I will only be a burden to you."
Chu Yang smiled broadly, "That was true before, but not anymore—"
Under Li Gexiao's astonished gaze, Chu Yang extended his finger and pressed it on Li Gexiao's Ren and Du meridians, using his vast true essence to reopen the Heavenly Gate for him, though the process would be extremely painful.
His meridians were filled with countless tiny cracks, and the flow of true energy through them was equivalent to tearing his wounds open again.
Li Gexiao kept groaning, his face turned pale, and large beads of sweat slid down his temples.
Then, Chu Yang put two Blood Bodhi seeds into his mouth and used his pure life force to repair his meridians. Under the combined effect of the two, Li Gexiao's hidden ailments and old injuries were being rapidly healed.
"Is Your Highness treating Ge Xiao's injuries?"
"Absolutely not! Your Highness! Ge Xiao's meridians are like shattered porcelain; they can't withstand the slightest disturbance. Even the most skilled physician, whom Lord Zheng consulted back then, couldn't cure him—"
Zuo Qianhu was a little excited and was about to step forward when Lao Guo stopped him.
Old Guo shook his head. "Don't be impatient. The prince knows what he's doing."
How could someone who could carefully lie low under the emperor's nose for so many years be a reckless fool?
Before long, Li Gexiao's complexion gradually became rosy, and his withered body gradually regained its former appearance.
When Li Gexiao opened his eyes again, his aura was like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, revealing its full sharpness, and there was no trace of dejection in his eyes.
"Li Gexiao expresses his deepest gratitude to Your Highness for your great kindness and virtue, and is willing to follow you even unto death!"
Li Gexiao turned over and knelt down, preparing to kowtow, but found that he couldn't bring himself to do so.
A gentle breeze lifted him from under his forehead.
"Your Highness?"
Chu Yang pulled him up, patted the dust off his clothes, and laughed, "We met in times of trouble, so we're friends and confidants. Let's skip the formalities."
"Even if your injuries heal, you still need to rebuild your true essence from scratch. My few Blood Bodhi seeds can't make up for your deficiency."
"Some things shouldn't be rushed; they require careful consideration."
Li Gexiao understood Chu Yang's intentions; he simply wanted her to calm down so she could think about how to avenge Jing Ruyi.
Given their friendship, Chu Yang could fly to the capital and kill Yan Song in no time if Li Gexiao made the request. But for Li Gexiao, how could he entrust the revenge for his deceased wife to someone else?
If Li Gexiao cannot personally cut off the head of that old dog Yan Song, he will probably not be able to rest in peace until his death.
As Lao Guo watched Chu Yang subdue Li Gexiao, his eyelids twitched suddenly, and the image of His Highness the Wise Prince rebelling flashed through his mind.
A chill ran down my spine.
Zuo Qianhu didn't think too much about it. He just laughed and hugged Li Gexiao tightly, genuinely happy for his good brother.
Li Gexiao patted him on the shoulder, "I'll have to trouble Brother Zuo to go back and tell my master for me."
Commander Zuo nodded. "Lord Zheng will be pleased to know. Why don't you tell him yourself?"
Li Gexiao was silent for a moment before speaking, "Brother Zuo, times have changed. I can no longer return to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and from today onwards, my life belongs to the Prince."
The smile on Zuo Qianhu's face vanished, leaving only a long, drawn-out sigh.
Li Gexiao is right. As long as that old dog Yan Song is around, he can't possibly return to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Otherwise, he would bring endless trouble to Zheng Dongliu and might even incur the emperor's hostility.
The power of the Embroidered Uniform Guard comes entirely from the emperor's trust; if that trust is lost, the commander is not far from death.
"I met some friends today and also took down two dogs. I'm in a pretty good mood. If you want to drink, it's on me. If you don't want to drink, you'd better leave now."
Chu Yang stretched and swaggered into Tongfu Inn, not forgetting to turn back and remind them, "Remember to take care of their land before you leave."
Old Guo nodded expressionlessly and led Commander Zuo to the government office in Qixia Town.
The most important thing now is to block any news about Chu Yang.
For the sake of the stability of the Ming Dynasty, the virtuous prince must remain the same as before. As for the emperor's reaction, that's another matter.
To keep the information within Qixia Town, we first need to inform Magistrate Lou, and then call in a group of Imperial Guards to handle it; this is their forte.
It's nothing more than scaring the merchants and common people. By putting the embroidered spring knife to their necks, they'll quickly forget what happened today and never remember it again for the rest of their lives.
Li Gexiao went upstairs to take a shower, and when he came out, he was like a completely different person. He was already a handsome man with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and the years of hardship had added to his maturity, making Tong Xiangyu and Guo Furong's eyes sparkle with admiration.
Whether it was because she was feasting her eyes or trying to curry favor with Prince Chu Yang, the usually stingy Manager Tong had Li Dazui prepare a huge table of delicious dishes, which the two of them couldn't possibly finish.
In the end, everyone sat at a table drinking and having fun. Emboldened by the alcohol, they gradually became familiar with Chu Yang.
late at night.
Cao Shaoqin rushed back to the capital with his severed arm, bringing bad news to the eagerly awaiting Cao Zhengchun.
Bad news that could lead to his family's ruin and extermination —
The emperor had ordered him to monitor the virtuous prince for so many years, and the prince had actually become a peerless master right under his nose.
Now that things have turned out this way, how should we report it to our superiors?
Reporting with your own head in hand?
He had just assured His Majesty the Emperor that the Prince Xian's aptitude for martial arts was utterly terrible.
Thinking of this, Cao Zhengchun felt his vision go black and had a premonition that he was about to die. The next second, Cao Shaoqin spoke up.
"Uncle, why don't we pin this on Guo Bujing to divert His Majesty's attention?"
"Guo Bujing is the teacher of the Prince Xian. He couldn't possibly be unaware of the Prince Xian's true nature. I think he is intentionally helping the Prince Xian to conceal it."
"With Guo Bujing's help, it's understandable that our Eastern Depot was kept in the dark, isn't it?"
"Moreover, it was Guo Furong who instigated the Prince Xian to leave the capital this time—"
Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun's eyes lit up, and he felt as if he had come back to life.
"Alright! We'll do as you say. Come with me to the palace immediately; we must get there before Yu Huatian!"
Despite his haste, Cao Zhengchun was still a step too late. By the time he entered the palace, Yu Huatian was already standing in the emperor's study, and even Wei Zhongxian was a step ahead of him.
The two men remained expressionless, but a hint of mockery flashed in their eyes.
The emperor was playing with the trinkets presented as tribute by vassal states, paying no attention to Cao Zhengchun in front of him.
Seeing this, Cao Zhengchun sensed something was wrong. He cursed the two bastards in his heart and knelt down without thinking, then began to wail.
"Your Majesty, you must do justice for your servant!"
Cao Zhengchun banged his head against the ground repeatedly, crying with snot and tears streaming down his face, a sight that saddened all who heard it and brought tears to their eyes.
His outburst stunned not only Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian, but even the emperor.
"Oh? Who has caused Supervisor Cao such distress?"
The emperor put away his cold expression and asked with interest.
"Guo Bujing, the chief constable of the Six Doors! He colluded with Prince Xian to deceive his superiors and subordinates, completely fooling the Eastern Depot, and secretly trained Prince Xian to become a master!"
"Your Majesty! Guo Bujing's intentions are despicable!"
Following the plan he had discussed with Cao Shaoqin, Cao Zhengchun began to plead with the emperor, regardless of whether the emperor believed him or not, to absolve himself of responsibility first!
Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian exchanged a glance, and a look of disdain appeared on their faces at the same time.
That old dog Cao, he really knows how to bite!
Everyone in the world knows Guo Bujing's title of "the greatest of heroes." Anyone could rebel, but he alone would not.
However, the Prince Xian was a thorn in the emperor's side. Given his suspicious and distrustful nature, even if he did not believe Cao Zhengchun's words, he would still feel apprehensive.
"You're saying that the Eastern Depot's ignorance of the Prince Xian's martial arts prowess was due to Guo Aiqing's interference?"
The emperor suddenly stood up and smashed the ornament he was playing with onto Cao Zhengchun's forehead. Cao Zhengchun didn't dare to use his inner energy to defend himself and let the emperor smash his head until it bled profusely.
The emperor flew into a rage, shouting, "You dog of a servant, how dare you frame a loyal minister! Everyone knows that Minister Guo is utterly loyal and would never do anything so treasonous. You dog of a servant, you dare to spout such nonsense just to exonerate yourself!"
Ignoring his head wound, Cao Zhengchun kept kowtowing, saying with tears streaming down his face, "Your Majesty is wise! If it weren't for Guo Bujing's help, how could the Prince Xian have endured for so many years under Your Majesty's nose?"
"Even if the Prince Xian wasn't personally trained by Guo Bujing, how could Guo Bujing, with his martial arts skills, not have noticed anything unusual about the Prince Xian? He was just pretending to be deaf and dumb!"
The emperor turned to look at Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian.
Wei Zhongxian sneered inwardly, about to speak and kick someone when they were down, but Yu Huatian secretly tugged at his clothes from behind. Wei Zhongxian was startled and swallowed back the words he was about to say.
Then he heard Yu Huatian's voice.
"Your Majesty, this servant believes that Chief Supervisor Cao's words may not be unfounded. Lord Guo would not have any disloyal intentions, but it is well known that he is soft-hearted and may be inadvertently used by cunning villains."
Sensing the unspoken meaning in Yu Huatian's words, the emperor remained silent, one hand gripping the corner of the table tightly.
Wei Zhongxian looked at Yu Huatian with some dissatisfaction, not understanding why the other party would help Cao Zhengchun at such a crucial moment, when it was clearly a good opportunity to step on someone.
Cao Zhengchun didn't understand either, and even secretly glanced at Yu Huatian.
Unbeknownst to the two, for Yu Huatian, being able to step on Cao Zhengchun was naturally a good thing, but it would undoubtedly give the Embroidered Uniform Guard a chance to turn the tide, as Zheng Dongliu was not an easy opponent.
If it weren't for the Li Gexiao incident, the power of the Embroidered Uniform Guard would have been almost equal to that of the Western Depot.
Guo Bujing and Zheng Dongliu are kindred spirits and have a good relationship in private. The Six Doors and the Embroidered Uniform Guard often cooperate in handling cases. If Guo Bujing can be dealt with, Zheng Dongliu will also be affected.
This would solidify the position of the Western Depot, making it more worthwhile than kicking Cao Zhengchun while he was down.
The emperor took a deep breath and asked in a solemn voice, "Just how skilled is that traitorous minister in martial arts?"
Cao Zhengchun recalled Cao Shaoqin's description and cautiously said, "He was extremely skilled. He broke Cao Shaoqin's arm with just one move."
The emperor raised an eyebrow and continued, "Taller than you, Chief Supervisor Cao? Can you break Cao Shaoqin's arm?"
"It's possible, but—" Cao Zhengchun was about to confess honestly when Yu Huatian forcefully interrupted him.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, no matter how skilled the Prince is in martial arts, he could not possibly enter the palace, much less harm Your Majesty," Yu Huatian said confidently, clasping his hands in a fist salute. "Although I am not talented, even without joining forces with Chief Supervisor Cao, I can ensure Your Majesty's safety!"
The emperor smiled with satisfaction and nodded repeatedly, saying, "My dear minister, you truly are my pillar of strength, far better than that lackey who only knows how to boost others' morale!"
In just a few words, Cao Zhengchun was so humiliated he was on the verge of a heart attack. He said urgently, "This servant deserves to die! Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant will swear to protect Your Majesty with my life!"
The emperor snorted coldly.
"Even without Eunuch Cao's stern protection, His Majesty is protected by the Ming Dynasty's dragon vein, and ordinary people cannot harm him at all. Those treacherous officials have no chance whatsoever."
Wei Zhongxian smiled and handed Cao Zhengchun another knife.
Cao Zhengchun gritted his teeth in fury. Today, this despicable woman had seized the opportunity to torment him to death. He would definitely pay her back in the future!
Whether it was because he enjoyed watching the people below fight each other, or because Wei Zhongxian's mention of the dragon vein protecting the body made the emperor feel safe, his expression quickly changed from dark to bright, with a hint of a smile.
The emperor's smile relieved Cao Zhengchun; at least the matter was over, and he would no longer be in danger.
Cao Zhengchun hurriedly said, "As long as Your Majesty gives the order, the Eastern Depot will immediately hunt down that treacherous Prince Xian. This servant guarantees that Your Majesty will be able to rest easy from now on."
Yu Huatian's lips curled up, and the look he gave Cao Zhengchun was just as disdainful as the look Cao Zhengchun had given Wei Zhongxian.
The Emperor said calmly, "Oh? Please tell me, Eunuch Cao, what crime has the Prince Xian committed that warrants his arrest and pursuit by the Eastern Depot?"
"This—" Cao Zhengchun was speechless for a moment, and immediately realized that he had said the wrong thing.
"Back then, the reason I allowed Prince Xian to learn martial arts from Minister Guo was because I didn't want the world to think I was a cruel and ungrateful person. But now, because Prince Xian's martial arts skills have improved, I've sent people to hunt him down. Where do you place me?"
The emperor's eyes were cold, and he disliked Cao Zhengchun more and more the more he looked at him.
Cao Zhengchun's palms and back were covered in cold sweat. He had just walked back from the edge of the cliff, only to turn around and fall into the mud again.
"Your Majesty, the Prince Xian has been eager to show his strength as soon as he left the capital, which shows that he is also becoming impatient. Sooner or later he will slip up. Your Majesty might as well entrust the task of monitoring the Prince Xian to this servant."
"This servant will never be as easily fooled as Supervisor Cao."
Yu Huatian smiled confidently.
The emperor pondered for a moment, nodded, then looked at Cao Zhengchun and said coldly, "You dog of a servant, take a good look at how the Western Depot operates, and don't disappoint me a second time!"
Cao Zhengchun quickly agreed.
Just when the three thought the matter was over, they suddenly heard the emperor's voice.
"The Six Doors are extremely busy, and Minister Guo is unable to attend to all matters. For the sake of your health, he is hereby relieved of his post as Instructor of the Imperial Guards, effective immediately!"
The three of them felt a chill run down their spines!
Guo Bujing ultimately became a thorn in His Majesty's side.
The title of Chief Constable of the Six Doors is actually less prestigious than that of the Instructor of the Imperial Guard.
Although the Six Doors was a very large organization, it was still under the control of the Ministry of Justice. However, the head instructor of the Imperial Guards was not only responsible for teaching martial arts to the Imperial Guards, but also for commanding all the Imperial Guards to protect the capital. His command authority was above that of the commander of the Imperial Guards.
To put it simply, the Imperial Guard was the emperor's personal bodyguard force, and the most important force in his hands.
Guo Bujing, who never got involved in party or government affairs, was the best candidate for this position. Moreover, he possessed both ability and integrity and enjoyed the emperor's deep trust.
Only with the added prestige of being the head instructor of the Imperial Guards did Guo Bujing gain the right to be compared to the two marquises.
Now, because of Cao Zhengchun and his associates' interference, the emperor has become suspicious of him. Although it is only a slight sign, it is enough for the emperor to replace him with someone else as the head instructor of the Imperial Guards.
The position of Imperial Guard Instructor was extremely important, and even Yu Huatian and Cao Zhengchun couldn't restrain themselves, revealing greedy expressions.
But both of them knew that the emperor would never appoint them.
The old story of the previous dynasty: a powerful eunuch held the imperial guards and effectively usurped the emperor's power, truly reaching a position above all others. However, he was ultimately crippled and could not continue his reign; in fact, his end was extremely tragic.
The current situation of the two factories and one guard is very stable and the emperor is unlikely to break it. The same is true for the two marquises and one family. Therefore, the new candidate for the head of the Imperial Guard is not among the remaining five people.
"Do you have any recommendations for the position of head instructor of the Imperial Guards?"
"Or, you could volunteer yourselves!"
The emperor looked at the three of them with a smile and said.
Knowing the emperor's thoughts, Cao Zhengchun first cursed inwardly, then forced a fawning smile, "How could this servant be capable of being the head instructor of the Imperial Guards? Your Majesty, please don't tease this servant."
The emperor scoffed, "At least you have some self-awareness."
Yu Huatian bowed and said, "Both of you are capable of serving as instructors for the Imperial Guards, but the Dragon Guard Manor and the Divine Arrest Bureau are already stretched thin in dealing with demons. Both Iron-Blooded Marquis and Zhuge Marquis are too busy to be in two places at once, so we need to find someone else."
"
The emperor sighed and said, "I did consider appointing my uncle as the head instructor of the Imperial Guards, but as you said, he has a heavy responsibility and cannot be distracted. We must choose someone else."
Pooh!
Would you appoint Zhu Tiedan as the head instructor of the Imperial Guards?
I'm afraid I won't even be able to sleep soundly at night!
Cao Zhengchun sneered inwardly. If the Wise Prince was the biggest thorn in the Emperor's side, then the Iron-Blooded Marquis was definitely the second biggest thorn.
Wei Zhongxian's eyes darted around, as if he had come up with a brilliant idea. He bowed and smiled, "Your Majesty, this old servant actually has someone I can recommend."
The emperor looked at him with some surprise. "Oh? A problem that's causing trouble for both factories, and you, old man, actually have a solution?"
Wei Zhongxian chuckled and said, "The two Grand Eunuchs are only focused on the court; they're too close to the situation to see clearly."
The emperor guessed Wei Zhongxian's meaning, tapped his fingers, and reminded him, "The position of head instructor of the Imperial Guards is no ordinary one; it can't be filled by just any martial arts master. What are you thinking, you old dog?!"
Wei Zhongxian, hunching over, echoed the emperor's words, saying, "Your Majesty is quite right. The person I'm referring to is no longer in court, but he is no ordinary hero. His talent was praised by the late emperor back then—"
Yu Huatian frowned and said, "Eunuch Wei, please speak frankly."
The emperor waved his hand impatiently and said, "Spit it out! Why don't you talk so much normally?"
Wei Zhongxian glanced resentfully at Yu Huatian. He had finally found a chance to shine, but it had been ruined.
"Your Majesty, the person this old servant recommends is none other than Li Tanhua, who resigned from his official post and went into seclusion ten years ago!"
Upon hearing this, the emperor's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed in realization, "Is it that infallible Little Li Flying Dagger?"
Wei Zhongxian grinned from ear to ear, "Your Majesty is also aware of Li Tanhua's reputation in the martial arts world?"
The emperor said helplessly, "How would I know what his reputation is like in the martial arts world? I only heard it from the princesses and noblewomen. Those women talk about Li Xunhuan all the time. I have to say, this guy is really popular with women."
"But is his martial arts skill sufficient for the position of instructor in the Imperial Guards?"
Yu Huatian thought for a moment and said, "This servant had a brief encounter with Li Tanhua several years ago and witnessed his skills. The Little Li Flying Dagger is not just a name; it is almost a Dao and is no ordinary martial art."
"Even you say so, you must be quite impressive—" The emperor closed his eyes and fell into deep thought, and the imperial study fell silent.
In fact, whether it was Cao Zhengchun kneeling on the ground, or Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian, they all knew that the emperor's current behavior meant that he agreed with the suggestion.
A person with the title of Tan Hua (third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination) and who has served as an official is more trustworthy than a clueless rogue from the martial arts world. More importantly, although Li Xunhuan's reputation in the martial arts world is not as good as Guo Degang's, he is not an ordinary person either.
Given the same conditions, it's unlikely that a second suitable candidate could be found.
The emperor opened his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Then first summon Li Xunhuan to the capital!"
Cao Zhengchun hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Li Xunhuan has been in seclusion for many years, and ordinary people can't find him at all. Why not let Donghuatian finish speaking, but he was rudely interrupted by Yu Huatian, who said, "Why not trouble the Dragon Guard Manor? Finding people and gathering intelligence are their specialties."
Cao Zhengchun was so angry that his face contorted with rage, but he dared not lash out in front of the emperor.
The emperor nodded and said, "Then I'll trouble you to go to the Dragon Guard Manor and inform the Iron-Blooded Marquis about the matter. Keep the matter of the Wise Prince a secret for now."
"This servant obeys." Yu Huatian knelt and kowtowed, then got up and left the imperial study, appearing decisive and efficient.
The emperor watched his departing figure, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. Then, he looked down at Cao Zhengchun, his expression displeased, and said, "Get out of my study right now! Do I have to escort you out?"
"You lackey!"
Cao Zhengchun kowtowed several more times, then left kneeling with tears streaming down his face.
Seeing his disheveled state, Wei Zhongxian, with his head buried in his chest, couldn't help but reveal a smug smile.
Cao Zhengchun, who was seething with anger, slapped Cao Shaoqin, who was walking towards him, as soon as he stepped out of the palace gate.
"Uncle? Doesn't His Majesty believe you?" Cao Shaoqin asked nervously.
"Do you think His Majesty is a fool? That he can shift all the blame onto the Guo family with just a few words?" Cao Zhengchun glanced at him coldly. "Fortunately, His Majesty did become suspicious, otherwise today would be the anniversary of your uncle's death."
Cao Shaoqin breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, but then felt a surge of resentment. His plan had clearly been effective, yet Cao Laogou still attacked him, clearly venting the humiliation he had suffered in the Imperial Study!
Damn old dog!
One day, I will kill you with my own hands!