This emperor's reputation is almost entirely associated with words like warlike and emperor on horseback, but when you actually meet him in person, you find that he is a very handsome middle-aged man, and the years have not left many marks on his face.
After a friendly exchange, the emperor explained his purpose for coming: to discuss philosophy.
Ostensibly discussing Dao, Xiao Yuhan knew in reality that he wanted his brilliant imperial advisor to put down the Heavenly Sword Sect's arrogance. Indeed, they might not be a match for the Heavenly Sword Sect in a fight, but a dynasty could find many experts, and many aristocratic families who served the dynasty also had many cultivators with considerable strength. This was Murong Zheng's confidence. To be honest, he was wary of the Heavenly Sword Sect, but he didn't quite believe that the sect was really that powerful.
Their purpose in coming here today is both to test the waters and to attempt to subdue the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Xiao Yuhan understood that there were probably very few people in the sect who were good at writing and painting.
Needless to say, the sect leader was a rough man with the personality of a wandering knight. Although he could not be described as burly, he certainly did not have much knowledge.
Although the second senior brother became a monk at a young age, he was obsessed with swordsmanship. Although he had read many books, he had no literary talent.
The most literary character in the original work is the third senior sister, Shen Huairu. She was born into a noble family and was well-versed in poetry and literature from a young age. However, she had a cold and aloof personality and never liked to show off. In the original work, she was willing to discuss Taoism with the national teacher, but she was unwilling to show off herself.
In truth, Xiao Yuhan understood that the emperor's purpose in coming here was simply to prove one thing: that the Heavenly Sword Sect was nothing but a bunch of martial artists who talked about cultivation and the Dao, and were nothing but a bunch of brutes who didn't know the Dao.
The subtext is that only an emperor like him can guide him to the true path. To put it bluntly, it's about finding some excuse to suppress the Heavenly Sword Sect and then bring it under his control.
"Esteemed Daoists, what do you think of my proposal to discuss Dao through literature?" The emperor's expression betrayed his disdain.
The sect leader readily agreed in front of all the disciples, since he wasn't good at literary pursuits anyway, and the mess would ultimately have to be left to his junior brothers and sisters to handle.
"If Your Majesty the Emperor is truly here to discuss the Dao, then our Heavenly Sword Sect is naturally willing to accompany you."
Murong Zheng immediately introduced the white-haired man beside him, "This is Zhang Chengfeng, the Grand Preceptor of our Great Yan. Please let him discuss the Dao with you fellow Daoists!"
At this moment, Ye Qingyun looked at Shen Huairu, but the icy beauty snorted and glared at him. Ye Qingyun frowned, feeling troubled. He looked at Liu Jiantang, then shook his head. He looked at Nangong Ling'er, hesitated for a moment, and then looked at Xiao Yuhan.
Without waiting for Xiao Yuhan's consent, he said directly, "This is Xiao Yuhan, the elder of the Discipline Hall of my Heavenly Sword Sect, and also my junior brother. Let him discuss the Dao with the Imperial Preceptor!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Yuhan looked at his senior brother with a worried expression, feeling quite helpless.
Like the third senior sister, the national advisor also had white hair. Upon closer inspection, he seemed to possess cultivation and was not an ordinary person.
Xiao Yuhan then remembered that although this person was not mentioned much in the original work, he was a powerful figure who could influence the fate of the Great Yan Dynasty.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, please pose a question!" Xiao Yuhan was somewhat worried, thinking that such a man should not use this method to make things difficult for the Heavenly Sword Sect.
The Imperial Preceptor Zhang Chengfeng bowed respectfully and said, "In that case, I shall make a fool of myself. Since we are discussing the Dao through literature, may I ask, Daoist Xiao, what is the Dao?"
As a transmigrator, Xiao Yuhan had read quite a few Taoist theories proposed by Laozi and Zhuangzi, but at this moment she was afraid of saying something wrong.
As an elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect, he had to think things through before speaking. So he looked up, scratched his head, then lowered his head and sighed.
Unexpectedly, the Imperial Preceptor Zhang Chengfeng was taken aback, his pupils shrinking slightly. "I think I understand what Master Xiao means..."
These words startled Xiao Yuhan, who thought to herself, "What do you understand?!"
The Grand Preceptor's words surprised everyone present, but more people were puzzled. "What does the Grand Preceptor mean by this?"
Zhang Chengfeng put away his dismissive attitude. "Just now I asked what the Dao is. Master Xiao looked up at the sky, but then scratched his head. He probably said, 'I think the Qian hexagram in the blue sky is the Dao, but I dare not speak lightly of it.' Then Master Xiao looked down at the ground, shook his head and sighed. He probably said again, 'I think the Kun hexagram in the earth is the Dao, but I lament the suffering of all living beings.'"
Everyone suddenly realized what was going on and looked at Xiao Yuhan with longing. Xiao Yuhan was completely confused, thinking to herself, "Am I possessed by the god 'Baki'?"
At this point, the Imperial Preceptor pressed further, "Master Xiao, could you please explain in detail what you just meant?"
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