Chapter 201: All Things Are Now Open
The inn was bustling with people, a cacophony like a pot of boiling water, bubbles rising one after another, bursting and releasing tales of gossip, as if they wanted to dissect everything from the martial world to the common folk, able to chat about anything for hours. Chu Liuxiang was all too familiar with this worldly scene.
From the moment he entered the martial arts world and became the subject of many romantic tales, he became accustomed to being talked about and being talked about. He found it insignificant that strangers would comment on him; after all, how many of those who were talking about him had actually seen him, or even if they had, would recognize him? No matter how many rumors there were, as long as he didn't care, they couldn't hurt him. In fact, as he became more familiar with the martial arts world, these rumors even became a way for Chu Liuxiang to familiarize himself with the martial arts world. Whenever he returned from the sea, he would always visit these places.
This time was no different. Chu Liuxiang had been comfortably at sea for over a month when his old friend Hu Tiehua found him and asked to meet him. Only then did he set off again and come ashore.
After days of traveling, Chu Liuxiang finally had time to listen to what these people were saying, and as soon as he listened, he noticed something was amiss.
These people frequently changed topics, only briefly touching on each one before quickly moving on to the next, hardly resembling a discussion. Yet even so, some were engrossed in their conversation, while those at other tables who had been discussing one topic for a long time were all distracted, their minds wandering to other things. If the people in this inn weren't all bewitched, then there was only one explanation.
In the martial arts world or among ordinary people, something major must have happened—something that can't be discussed openly. People can only find related topics to keep changing the subject and talking about it indirectly. Even if others deliberately avoid it, what they truly care about from beginning to end is only that one thing.
Chu Liuxiang's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't help but touch his nose, wondering how he had become so disconnected from the martial arts world after lying at sea for more than a month. He had no clue what was going on.
But thankfully, there was Hu Tiehua.
The young man, whom I hadn't seen for a long time, looked a little haggard. He used to be a handsome man, but I don't know where he'd been all these days since we last met. Although he had washed up and prepared before coming, you could still see signs of fatigue and slovenliness in him.
Hu Tiehua recognized Chu Liuxiang from the crowd at a glance and beckoned him over. Chu Liuxiang recognized him, but he had to look at him several times before accepting the change in Hu Tiehua. He sighed, "It's been a year or two since I last saw you, and you've changed so much. I almost didn't recognize you."
Hu Tiehua then complained to him, saying, "I went to the border, a godforsaken place, it's no place for a human to stay. It's a miracle I came back alive. Let's not talk about that, it's all just suffering, there's nothing to say. Let's go up first."
After they finished speaking, the two went upstairs. Chu Liuxiang looked at the crowd in the inn's lobby again, still itching with questions. Curiosity is a nagging thought that often brings trouble, and he had repeatedly sought trouble for his curiosity. Chu Liuxiang asked Hu Tiehua, "Do you know what the people in this inn are talking about? I can't understand a word."
Hu Tiehua turned to look at him, unsure whether he was genuinely unaware or feigning ignorance: "You old rascal, such big news, haven't you heard?"
"What did I hear?" Chu Liuxiang smiled wryly. "I just returned from the sea. I didn't hear any news, but I heard a lot from the sea breeze. Does this count?"
Amused, Hu Tiehua said, "What are you talking about? Keep joking. Go upstairs first, I'll tell you more when we get inside."
His cautious demeanor made Chu Liuxiang realize something. He followed Hu Tiehua to the guest room, closed the doors and windows, and Hu Tiehua let out a comfortable sigh, slumped in the wooden chair, and then told Chu Liuxiang what news he had sent out during his more than a month at sea.
Upon hearing this, Chu Liuxiang completely understood why the people in the hall, even if they wanted to chat, had to avoid the topic. He couldn't help but gasp and lower his voice, saying somewhat cautiously, "How did this news get out? How dare they spread it?"
Then, as he pondered further, his gaze wandered elsewhere before quickly returning: "Is there any activity in Bianjing?"
Hu Tiehua was naturally wary, as it was a matter that could easily lead to his death. However, the people and the emperor had long harbored resentment, and since the Fang La Rebellion, public sentiment had been inflamed. He had also suffered greatly at the border due to the emperor's incompetent decisions. Knowing that he had no one to rely on, he dared to speak up: "It's been circulating for a day or two, but there hasn't been any major movement in Bianjing. However, there have been quite a few small actions. I estimate that if this continues, a few people will be killed and some suppression will take place."
He sneered: "So what if there's suppression? If the news is true, no matter how many people are killed, it can't be faked."
Chu Liuxiang sensed something was amiss. He didn't like to pay attention to these things, but such news concerned the very foundation of the nation, and it was hard not to talk about it after hearing it. He asked, "Do you really think that, as these rumors say, there was something fishy about the death of the late emperor, and that the current emperor's ascension to the throne was..." He didn't finish his sentence.
"I hope that's the case." Hu Tiehua admitted that he had suffered enough at the border and came back full of anger. He cursed a few times to vent his anger before saying anything. "As for whether it's true or not, there are definitely people who are more anxious than us."
That's true, and Chu Liuxiang agreed, saying, "Indeed, if the rumored imperial edict truly exists, the important figures in Bianjing would have already taken action."
The fact that this news could even get out is enough to show how corrupt the current court is and how unpopular the emperor is. Whether things have truly come to this point is something Chu Liuxiang's intelligence can discern.
Those who wield power and influence, immersed in power, are even more sensitive to all of this than he is.
He wanted to ask another question, but didn't say it. Hu Tiehua, who knew his old friend well, answered instead.
He said, "If something really happens, could it be any worse than it is now?"
.
"Bang--"
A series of memorials were pushed off the table by Zhao Ji and thrown to the ground one after another, carrying his anger. Although no one was hit, the eunuchs serving him were so embarrassed that they could not lift their heads, fearing that if they looked at them even once, they would incur the emperor's wrath.
His face was almost red; Zhao Ji was undoubtedly furious. His teeth were almost ground to powder; Zhao Ji was undoubtedly filled with hatred.
His appearance needed no further description; only his anger remained on his face, and his mood was laid bare, as if it were about to crack like a piece of porcelain at any moment. Not content with simply rejecting the memorial, he slammed his hand heavily on the table. However, Zhao Ji prided himself on being a refined scholar, and this newly made table was indeed sturdy, causing his hand to ache as if he had been punched in the back. Yet, he couldn't cry out, nor could he utter a sound.
His anger was about to surge to his head, but even so, Zhao Ji had to force himself to suppress it. After taking a few deep breaths, he pretended to have calmed down, appearing dignified and composed, piecing together his expression to maintain the demeanor befitting an emperor. He understood the principle that an overly intense reaction would undoubtedly indicate a guilty conscience.
To be honest, he only wanted to drag the person who submitted the memorial out and execute him, but that would only fuel the rumors. Besides, he knew the rumors were true, so he had to be extremely cautious even in his investigation.
So, who is the person behind this? Why does he know about this? What is this person plotting? How could there possibly be a late emperor's edict in this world? Or did he really overlook it back then?
What about those imperial relatives and officials? He knew about the uprisings and rebellions by imperial relatives in recent years. Although he didn't know the full picture, he understood that the court was not stable.
Zhao Ji tried hard to calm himself down, rummaging through his chaotic memories to find answers to each and every question. For more than a decade, he had been immersed in wealth and luxury, focusing solely on calligraphy and painting. There were many things he had excelled at back then, but now he needed to figure them out on his own. However, he also knew that the first thing he had to do was suppress the news.
So who is the right candidate?
This is not a difficult problem. Zhao Ji would definitely not choose Zhuge Zhengwo. The suppression he needs would be cruel, and Zhuge Zhengwo can only offer him advice. He does not want to hear any more advice at this time. Moreover, after becoming suspicious, Zhao Ji cannot be sure that Zhuge Zhengwo and Grand Tutor Li do not know the truth of what happened back then.
After Fu Zongshu's death, Cai Jing lost power for a time until Emperor Huizong, mindful of Cai Jing's loyalty and wanting to counterbalance Zhuge Zhengwo and Li Taifu, promoted Cai Jing again. Now, at least for this moment, Cai Jing is Emperor Huizong's most trusted minister. He naturally has other confidants, but in this matter, none can compare to the role Cai Jing can play.
Having made up his mind, Zhao Ji ordered the eunuchs to pick up the memorial and prepare pen and ink.
The trembling eunuchs, shaking like sieves, were finally able to get up. Their faces as white as paper, they still had to respectfully face Zhao Ji, thankful that they had survived a calamity. They kept their heads down and dared not look at him for long, serving Zhao Ji so that he could successfully write the imperial edict to Cai Jing and then convey the order for Cai Jing to enter the palace for an audience.
No one dared to breathe loudly, as if the imperial study was filled with corpses and no one wanted to join them; there was no sign of life.
Emperor Huizong had lost all interest in reading the memorials. He had never been particularly interested in politics, and it was even more impossible for him to write or paint at this moment. While waiting for Cai Jing to arrive, he casually picked up another memorial and glanced at it with annoyance.
It was a memorial submitted by the Ministry of Rites concerning the preparations for his birthday banquet, detailing every single aspect—a very long letter. Zhao Ji had no time to concern himself with this matter, but at this moment, any slackness or distraction would be detrimental. What he needed was integrity and decisive action; therefore, the birthday banquet had to be held, and it had to be a grand affair unlike any other.
As for the national treasury, he hadn't even considered it. In Zhao Ji's mind, the Song Dynasty was certainly wealthy, and as the emperor, what did it matter if he squandered it as he pleased?
After throwing the memorial back, Zhao Ji finally heard Cai Jing's footsteps.
Little did he know that many others were also waiting for this moment.
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The finale is almost here! Everyone can start discussing which side stories they'd like to see.
Besides the romantic storylines of the five male guests, there will also be a side story about the young master. However, it's not yet decided whether it will be the time-traveling Ms. Xie from the main story or the teenage Ms. Xie. The latter isn't very friendly to the young master...
Then there's the forced side story where Young Master Wang and Ms. Xie are forced to have their heads pressed down by Bai Feifei, and there might also be a rather vulgar side story about Master Di of the Six and a Half Hall and Ms. Xie, who was interested in him in the "if" scenario and actually did something with him.
There are also side stories for other male characters. I'm currently planning to write about Chu Liuxiang or Leng Xue. If you're interested in reading about any of them, feel free to request them, but I need to start brainstorming as soon as possible [kissing emoji].
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