Chapter 195: Chaos in Xiaocheng (Thirty-Five) [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
Shen Tang is panicking.
I'm extremely, extremely, extremely panicked!
What kind of words could she use to convince these three cunning and shrewd people that she didn't know where her imperial seal was or how to use it? Shen Tang swallowed nervously.
"Um—why are you looking at me like that?"
Shen Tang adopted a tactical cowardice, choosing to play dumb even when he knew the truth.
Qi Shan and she had almost no chemistry. Ignoring her guilty conscience, he asked with a half-smile, "What do you think of Shan's suggestion, You Li?"
Shen Tang: "..."
This is terrible!!!
Her skin was covered in goosebumps!
Qi Shan's constant use of "Youli" and "Shan" in her self-reference sent a chill down her spine, a shiver running up her back to the top of her head. Suppressing her unease, she awkwardly replied, "Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! A truly invincible, sky-piercing wonder!"
Calling her Shen Xiaolangjun or Shen Tang is fine, but calling her "Youli" or something like that always gives off a feeling of Pan Jinlian calling Wu Dalang.
_(:з)∠)_
Qi Shan: "..."
Although he didn't quite understand what "spiral invincible soaring to the sky" meant, his intuition told him that Shen Xiaolangjun's words were very perfunctory.
Qi Shan turned to ask Gong Shuwu.
"Half a step, can you rest assured now?"
Gong Shuwu hesitated, his expression uncertain. He didn't quite trust Qi Shan's lies, but he couldn't bring himself to be so heartless as to watch tens of thousands of people in Xiaocheng suffer a fate worse than death. At this moment, he was torn between his inner turmoil and his own struggle.
finally--
He suddenly sighed and said, "The State Seal of Xin Kingdom was given to me by the old king himself. If it can be used to save tens of thousands of people in Xiaocheng, it can be considered as accumulating some good karma for the former king."
Shen Tang: "..."
At this moment, she had only one thought in her mind—just how much of a failure was that old king of Xin, that Gong Shuwu had such a low opinion of him? Did he do something bad in the past?
Gong Shuwu looked at Shen Tang, who was slightly distracted, his dark eyes filled with seriousness. He said in a deep voice, "Shen Wulang, I hope you will not disappoint me."
He was preparing to take out the national seal.
"Half a step, wait a minute!"
Unexpectedly, Shen Tang interrupted his actions.
Qi Shan frowned inwardly—You Li, it wouldn't be too late to talk about this after everything is finished! But he knew Shen Tang's unpredictable temper, and he was helpless and had no way to deal with her. Gong Shuwu paused: "Shen Wulang, please speak."
Shen Tang voiced her doubts: "I heard Yuan Liang mention before that the Imperial Seal is bound to an orange-tier artifact... uh, I mean, the Imperial Seal is extremely closely linked to the ruler, inseparable. How did the King of Xin entrust the Imperial Seal to you???"
Each imperial seal corresponds to a feudal lord and a "way of feudal lords".
The Imperial Seal is an orange-tier artifact that can only be obtained upon death.
Following this logic, the Xin Kingdom's Imperial Seal should have been in his possession before the death of the old king. According to intelligence, the old king was still alive, so how could the Imperial Seal have fallen into Gong Shuwu's hands? Shen Tang was extremely puzzled; she wouldn't feel at ease until she figured it out.
Gong Shuwu: "..."
Qi Shan: "..."
Chu Yao: "..."
Is this why they called a timeout at such a crucial moment?
Shen Tang perfectly read the looks in their eyes and said unhappily, "I was just curious, everyone has curiosity..."
Chu Yao looked at Qi Shan with a half-smile, his eyes clearly saying "misleading the youth." Qi Shan felt like she was about to explode. Suppressing the urge to bulge the veins on her forehead, she squeezed out each word through gritted teeth.
"Young Master Shen, when did Shan say that?"
Shen Tang, with a straight face and head held high, declared confidently, "You said it yourself, 'The Way of the Feudal Lords' cannot be changed without death!"
Only with the national seal can one have the "way of the feudal lords"!
Her understanding is absolutely correct!
Chu Yao couldn't help but chuckle, a laugh entirely directed at Qi Shan. See? He knew Qi Shan wasn't cut out for teaching. Misleading students would cause immeasurable harm!
Qi Shan: "..."
Shen Tang's eyelids twitched violently: "Did I misunderstand?"
Qi Shan said, "Wrong! Utterly wrong!"
Shen Tang: "..."
Simply put, she misunderstood.
The Imperial Seal is indeed a bound orange-tier artifact and will drop upon death, but that doesn't mean it can only be transferred upon death. If that were the case, how would the old and new rulers hand over power? If the son wants to ascend to the throne and obtain the Imperial Seal, must the father necessarily die?
This doesn't look like a beaver at all!
Which father would be willing to do this for the benefit of the next generation?
Therefore, the Imperial Seal can actually be unbound. With the complete consent of the ruler of a vassal state, the Imperial Seal can be transferred to another person through two methods. Qi Shan, enduring a long-lost headache, explained the basics to Chen, the illiterate one, and incidentally gave him a crash course in basic literacy.
"Firstly, abdication."
The old king will lose control of the royal seal during the abdication ceremony, and his "way of the feudal lords" will also become ineffective.
Secondly, entrusting the orphan to someone else.
This type of case is rather special, but it is more common in practice than abdication. Generally, it occurs when an old king is nearing the end of his life, has no time to abdicate, and has no adult children. In such cases, he entrusts his young children to one or more trusted ministers.
In this situation, although the national seal still belongs to the young heir of the old ruler, the "entrusted minister" also has the right to use the national seal. Before the new ruler comes of age (or becomes accomplished), he assists the new ruler in using the new "way of the feudal lords" to protect the country.
After hearing Qi Shan's explanation, Shen Tang became even more confused and said, "But—it seems that the old king of Xin Kingdom only had one princess as his heir?"
Thinking of that princess's fate, I can't help but sigh.
Women in chaotic times...
Qi Shan's expression darkened, as if he too recalled the tragic death of the young princess. But his mood only dipped for a moment before he continued, "The old king of Xin clearly did not favor the princess as his heir, which makes this 'entrustment' all the more special..."
Whether it's special or not is unimportant. What's important is that the King of Xin has not designated an heir to the State Seal, and Gong Shuwu's current status is that of a "regent entrusted with the care of the young ruler," so he can freely carry the State Seal around. It can also be borrowed as long as Gong Shuwu gives permission.
Shen Tang then asked, "Since even a 'regent entrusted with the care of the young emperor' has the right to use the imperial seal, why not just let Banbu use it himself..."
Qi Shan: "..."
Chu Yao: "..."
Gong Shuwu: "..."
Why did he vaguely sense Shen Wulang's avoidance and disdain for the Imperial Seal? This was a priceless treasure coveted by everyone in the world! Gong Shuwu inexplicably felt a lump in his throat. He couldn't exhale or swallow it. Thinking back on his previous wariness, it all seemed like a joke now.
Qi Shan said expressionlessly, "Young Master Shen, are you not listening carefully? The premise for using the term 'entrusting a young minister with a responsibility' is that there is a young heir."
Shen Tang looked at Gong Shuwu for confirmation.
Gong Shuwu sighed, "Indeed, it's impossible."
Shen Tang said, "Fortune changes, and kings come and go. Such an important thing as the Imperial Seal—you never even considered taking it for yourself? I know you are loyal, but if you could help Xin Kingdom restore its kingdom, you wouldn't be letting down the old king of Xin Kingdom who entrusted you with this..."
As long as the newly established country is still called "Xin State", that's fine.
Who says a king can only be a member of a royal family or a descendant? As long as you have the ability and gather the right timing, location, and people, even if you start with just a bowl and a dog, you can still embark on the path to becoming king and conqueror... Anyone has the chance to change the world!
Gong Shuwu: "..."
Qi Shan: "..."
Chu Yao: "..."
Qi Shan and his companion were experiencing very complex emotions. They were testing Gong Shuwu's limits while also eyeing the Xin Kingdom's Imperial Seal, racking their brains to bring Gong Shuwu onto their little boat. Meanwhile, Shen Xiaolang/Wulang were advising Gong Shuwu to establish his own independent business?
Is this holding us back?
Or is it just holding us back?
Or is it just holding us back?
Gong Shuwu's face turned a deep red from her question.
His facial muscles twitched and trembled; only he knew the turmoil raging within him. He couldn't understand why Shen Wulang could so naturally ask such a rebellious and absurd question. Judging from the other's matter-of-fact expression, it was as if it would be abnormal if Gong Shuwu didn't rebel?
Gong Shuwu, his face a deep reddish-brown, gritted his teeth and said, "I have never had such a thought, nor could I possibly think that way!"
Shen Tang: "..."
Ah, Banbu is truly a rare honest person.
In contrast, if it were her, the Imperial Seal would be her treasure. What "entrusted with the care of the young minister"? Isn't this just "abdication"? There's no rule that "abdication" can only be passed to sons and daughters; outsiders can also do it.
Shen Tang felt a pang of guilt in his chest for a moment.
Blushing with shame, he bowed respectfully and apologized: "I was being petty and judging you by my own standards. Please forgive me."
Gong Shuwu breathed a long sigh of relief.
His playful banter made him seem completely oblivious to the trepidation and worry he felt when "borrowing" the Imperial Seal, and he retrieved it with practiced ease. Shen Tang watched his every move intently, afraid of missing a single detail. She was very curious about where Gong Shuwu had hidden the Imperial Seal.
Perhaps you can use this as a reference to find your own.
Gong Shuwu did nothing but take the Martial Courage Tiger Tally from his waist and slam it on the table. The meaning was crystal clear: the Imperial Seal was right there! Qi Shan and Chu Yao were stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what he meant and clapped their hands, laughing, "This method is brilliant!"
Only Shen Tang was out of sorts and was completely bewildered.
You two should explain what's so clever about it!
Gong Shuwu raised his hand and held it directly above the Martial Tiger Talisman. With a breath of energy from his palm, the Martial Tiger Talisman transformed back into martial energy and merged into his meridians. As the martial energy separated, a seal the size of an infant's fist was revealed in the distance. The seal was square, with a blue dragon coiled on top.
This azure dragon is only the length of a thumb, very tiny and cute, surrounded by aura, and one can vaguely hear the roar of a dragon and the howl of a tiger.
Almost the instant the seal appeared, a faint blue light filled the entire small room, and the energy of heaven and earth in the air surged, becoming almost viscous. But—Shen Tang looked at the Azure Dragon and poked it with her finger: "That's it?"
Gong Shuwu watched her movements, almost suffocating.
"No, you mustn't be rude!"
Shen Tang retorted, "Am I being rude?"
But he still pulled his finger back.
You can't poke it with your finger, but you can at least get closer to look, right?
Gong Shuwu: "..."
What could he do but watch, feeling like he was having a heart attack?
Shen Tang carefully examined the dragon scales of the little green dragon. She wondered which master had carved them. The tiny dragon scales were clearly visible, delicate and smooth, and the dragon's expression was majestic and solemn, lifelike. It seemed as if the little green dragon could soar into the sky at any moment.
The only drawback—
She pointed to some of the dragon scales on the little green dragon's back and said, "The color of these dragon scales isn't quite right... Why do they look so wilted?"
Yes, it doesn't give off a very healthy vibe.
Gong Shuwu explained, "The more prosperous the nation, the brighter and clearer the dragon scales; if the dragon scales are mottled and murky, it means that the nation's fortune has declined..."
Upon closer inspection, one can also notice that the boundary between the blue and gray of the dragon scales is slowly shifting. The resentment among the people within Xiaocheng City is too great, and the remaining national fortune on the imperial seal is already minimal.
Gong Shuwu said worriedly, “The Imperial Seal possesses a spirit. Once the remaining national fortune is devoured by public resentment, this Azure Dragon will completely change color. At that time, the spirit of the Imperial Seal will be enraged, the Azure Dragon will turn over, and its aura will no longer be able to be concealed. If it is hidden in a land without an owner, it will be fine, but if that place has an owner, it will disturb the dragon vein of that country…”
Their location was thus revealed.
There is a contest between the two national seals.
They cannot coexist peacefully unless they become one. When the two clash, the only way to determine who is superior is through struggle and competition!
Gong Shuwu was constantly worried even with this national seal in his possession.
Where in this world is there still land without an owner?
Shen Tang said, "Oh, I see."
I learned a lot today!
"Tell me, what should I do?"
Shen Tang rolled up his sleeves, ready to go to sleep after finishing his business.
She already has the Imperial Seal; there's no point in forcibly taking it from Gong Shuwu. It would be much more interesting if he handed it over voluntarily.
Gong Shuwu: "..."
Qi Shan: "..."
Chu Yao: "..."
Shen Tang suppressed the urge to scream: "Don't make that face, I'm panicking! It's my ignorance to not know how to use the Imperial Seal, but that's how cavemen from the deep mountains are, please forgive me. You can teach me, I promise I'll learn diligently!"
She was practically swearing an oath to the heavens.
Qi Shan suppressed the throbbing veins on her forehead.
He gritted his teeth and grinned maliciously, saying, "Young Master Shen, you don't need to speak. You can just use your literary energy to sense it..."
If it weren't for the inappropriate occasion, he really wanted to give Young Master Shen a dozen silencing spells. Why did this little mouth of his talk so much nonsense!
Shen Tang pouted, feeling wronged.
Suppressing her guilt, she secretly took a deep breath and raised her hand, gathering a wisp of spiritual energy at her fingertips. Under the watchful eyes of the three, she slowly, very slowly approached the little azure dragon. Suddenly, the aura surrounding the little azure dragon trembled as if its heart had tightened.
Shen Tang gently poked the little green dragon with her finger.
No response.
Before she could retract her finger, the small jade dragon suddenly opened its mouth and bit her finger in front of everyone. Startled, Shen Tang jumped up, shaking her finger to try and get rid of the monster: "Holy crap—don't you fucking bite me—!"
When this Azure Dragon is still, it looks quite majestic, but once it moves, it's like a small snake, and a biting snake at that!
In the blink of an eye, the spiritual energy in his dantian was completely depleted.
The three of them were also taken aback by this unexpected turn of events.
The scene was in complete chaos.
But as if fate wasn't chaotic enough, at that very moment, Shen Tang felt a warmth in her right palm, and a familiar sword appeared on its own. A golden dragon coiled on the hilt flowed out from her fingers and slapped the little green dragon with one claw.
Those dragon eyes, like jewels, were filled with ferocity!
(End of this chapter)
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