Chapter 314: The Shangshu blocks the way, consults the files, and the origin of the female sorceress
Zhao Duan was stunned: "That's it...wait."
He suddenly realized something, and his expression became a little subtle:
"Brother, when you practiced the Six Chapter Sutra, what did you encounter? Or... generally speaking, what did you see?"
Ma Yan looked at him calmly with his thin, long face, and seemed to have guessed something, and said slowly:
“The so-called Six Chapters Sutra is a scroll in which Emperor Taizu painted some powerful figures. Later generations who practice martial arts can enter it, learn from them, or even become their disciples.
Don't look at me like that. Emperor Taizu was able to create a legacy by drawing on the strengths of many schools. Furthermore, Emperor Taizu was so open-minded that he naturally wouldn't mind these false titles...
As far as I know, this second picture does depict more than one powerful person who really existed in history, but normally speaking, after you enter, you will first encounter a battlefield general, appear on a battlefield, fight with him, and learn from him.
If you are smart enough, you can learn some tricks from it.
Well... you can only meet other people after you defeat this general. For example, I know that there are monks, Taoist priests, and even martial artists... However, you don't have to meet all of them once to advance.
When I was training in the palace, I was taught that it is far better to thoroughly learn the abilities of a person depicted in a painting than to bite off more than one ounce... As for the red-robed sorceress you described, I've never heard of her."
Ah, this... what's with this feeling of opening a hidden copy... Zhao Duan was surprised: "Is this... like this?"
Ma Yan looked at him deeply and said meaningfully:
"At least that's what I know. You can also ask the Sea Worshiper to see if there is such a person."
As the empress's sword, the cold and stern eunuch guessed that Zhao Duan had some secrets after the battle between Buddhism and Taoism, although he did not know that Zhao Duan possessed the "Dragon Soul".
When adults socialize, it’s all about knowing when to stop.
"...I understand." Zhao Duan looked thoughtful and said goodbye with a bow.
After taking a few steps, Ma Yanwang reminded me from behind:
"By the way, the further back Taizu's paintings go, the more spiritual the figures in the scroll become. Unlike the first painting of the God of War, the ancient figures in the second painting, the Six Chapters Sutra, although painted, can actually communicate to a certain degree. It's quite bizarre."
Therefore, fighting isn't always necessary; if one can gain their approval, the benefits may be even greater... I've heard that someone once gained the favor of a figure in the scroll and, when in danger, imagined them appearing in the mortal world... Of course, this is just a rumor; I've never seen it myself."
…
Lihuatang.
Zhao Duan returned to the hall, feeling more excited than nervous.
He suspected that if the strong men described in the Six Chapters Sutra were arranged from low to high, then the woman with a golden mask he met would be one of the last.
"This also explains why they're so much stronger than me, yet offer no resistance at all... When I'm killed instantly, it means the difference in level between us is too great, and I can't learn anything at all..."
Zhao Duan thought about it and prepared to go to the palace in the afternoon to start with the armored female shadow guards to find out the news.
However, he did not have much time to rest, as a group of uninvited guests came to the hall.
"Sir Zhao, we have been ordered to verify the details of the Gao Lian case." An unfamiliar official from the Ministry of Justice walked into the Lihua Hall and said, holding documents.
"Hasn't the prisoner been transferred?" Zhao Duan said casually.
The official from the Ministry of Justice said calmly, "After all, you are the chief official, so..."
"Okay, go ahead and ask." Zhao Duan waved his hand and answered the questions of the Ministry of Justice officials one by one.
Finally, he asked curiously, "How long will it take for Gao Lian to be convicted?"
The official from the Ministry of Justice hesitated and said, "We will make a decision after we have thoroughly investigated it."
It’s the same as not saying anything...Okay, I won’t make things difficult for you... Zhao Duan was bored.
When the people from the Ministry of Justice left, people from the Dali Temple followed closely and also came to inquire about the case.
Because of the dispute with the Dali Temple, this group of people was particularly nervous and much more polite than the Ministry of Justice. Zhao Duan did not get tired of it and cooperated again.
When asked the same question, the latter's answer was still very official.
"It's quite interesting." Zhao Duan stroked his chin, and tasted something from the ambiguous attitudes of the two groups of people.
Fortunately, Chen Hong was in the Censorate and did not send anyone to disturb him.
…
noon.
Zhao Duan invited Haitang and other colleagues to go to a restaurant in the city to eat and drink.
——The food in the imperial court was unpopular among the people and everyone hated it. Those who could afford it ate outside.
During the meal, several people could hear a lot of discussions about the Gao Lian case in the restaurant through the screen and bamboo curtain.
Obviously, the Taicang Silver Mine case has spread.
The guests were not very concerned about corruption, but were extremely interested in the life and death of a governor, the power game behind it, and the undercurrents in the court.
Each of them gave clear and logical analysis.
"How come news spreads so quickly? Why are people already talking about it?" Haitang was stunned and muttered in confusion.
Zhao Duan held his wine glass and said pointedly, "I'm afraid someone is fanning the flames."
"You mean..." Haitang was stunned. The female detective was an expert at solving cases, but she was a little immature in the higher-level struggle and game.
Zhao Duan shook his head without further explanation. Even in this feudal era, many games still rely on public opinion to exert pressure and guide the direction of the situation.
"Public opinion" can play a miraculous role at certain critical junctures in a game.
The people in Taicang Prefecture all know how to incite the people to petition and put pressure on themselves. It is natural that these adults in the capital will not give up this method.
After dinner, Zhao Duan asked his colleagues to go back to the yamen first, and he walked alone in the streets and alleys, secretly listening to the opinions of the lower classes.
As expected, unlike the distinguished guests in the restaurant, the people in the capital were talking about Gao Lian's crimes of rape and robbery, and his crimes of framing and exterminating families and killing innocent people for his own selfish reasons.
The common people were filled with righteous indignation and cursed the corrupt officials, saying they should be executed.
Hmm... If nothing unexpected happens, this should be the rumor spread by Yuan Li or someone from the imperial party... Zhao Duan was thinking about it when suddenly a man who looked like a servant came over and said respectfully:
"Sir, my master invites you to speak."
"Where are you from?" Zhao Duan asked in confusion.
The servant raised his hand and pointed to a quiet street entrance in the distance, where a carriage was parked on the side of the street.
At this moment, the car curtain was lifted, revealing a somewhat familiar face.
Minister of Rites!
Zhao Duan was surprised. He didn't have much interaction with this important official who was in charge of one of the six ministries.
The person who impressed me the most was his son, Wang You, who was one of the scholars in Xiuwenguan.
We met several times later, mostly in public, and we were close friends because we attended the meeting together.
Why did he look for me? Did we just meet by chance? Or was he looking for me specifically?
Zhao Duan quickly recalled this person's position in his mind. The Wang family was one of the aristocratic families in Dayu, but not a Jiangnan family.
This person is not a member of the "Li Party" or the "Qingliu Party".
They can barely be considered as the "imperial party", but they are not the backbone, but rather the party that is being won over.
"Minister Wang, what a coincidence! What do you want to talk to me about?" Zhao Duan walked to the carriage and bowed.
The Minister of Rites had been a son of aristocratic family since childhood. Although he was already middle-aged, he still had the bearing of a noble. He smiled and said, "Lord Zhao, why not get in the carriage and have a chat?"
"Haha, no need. I still have something to do. Let's just stand here and talk." Zhao Duan declined politely.
joke.
Can anyone get on this car?
Minister Wang's eyes flickered, and he did not try to persuade him. After several servants walked away sensibly, he sighed:
"Nothing much, but I heard that Envoy Zhao had arrested Gao Lian and brought him back to the capital. The entire court was shocked..."
Zhao Duan smiled and said, "Sir Wang, I like to get straight to the point. Just say what you want to say directly. There's no need to beat around the bush."
Minister Wang gave a wry smile, "I've been a bit long-winded. Since that's the case... well then!"
He said with a serious expression, "I wonder what the envoy thinks about the punishment of Gao Lian. As for me, I haven't had much contact with Governor Gao, but I have heard that he is always magnanimous and upright. It is hard to imagine that he would commit such a thing. I can't help but be puzzled..."
Zhao Duan smiled and said, "Master Wang, are you criticizing me and wrongly accusing a loyal minister?"
"Hey! That's not the case," Minister Wang waved his hands and said:
"Who in the whole court, civil and military officials, does not know the envoy's ability? However, even a saint cannot avoid being deceived by a villain. In my opinion, the envoy may have been deceived by Wang Chusheng or someone else.
What I mean is that this involves a provincial governor, who is also considered a high-ranking official, and we must not be careless. Moreover, even if we take a step back and Gao Lian is indeed guilty, but... at this moment, the rebel party is still rampant and the government is not stable.
Gao Lian is nothing, but if he is severely punished and causes the Jiangnan gentry to become disloyal, it will probably do more harm than good to our Great Yu Dynasty. The same is true for you, the envoy.
These words are not to be said publicly, so consider them as a private reminder: publicly, Gao Lian's case should be carefully investigated; privately, your Excellency has already accomplished great service, so there's no need to take matters to the extreme."
Zhao Du stared at the other person quietly and said calmly:
"Lord Wang, who are you representing when you come to me today and say these words? Or are you delivering a message for someone else?"
Minister Wang flatly denied it, speaking with awe-inspiring righteousness:
"Your Excellency has misunderstood. I am solely dedicated to the public good, to the court, and to His Majesty. If I represent anyone, it is only the court and His Majesty. If I am delivering a message for anyone, it is only for the people and the country."
What a man who speaks for the people of Dawn... Zhao Duan cursed inwardly, saying calmly:
"Lord Wang is dedicated to the public good, and I admire him. However, I have returned to the capital and am no longer an imperial envoy. The subsequent developments in this case have nothing to do with me. The case is now under investigation by the three courts. Lord Wang's words should be conveyed to them. I have other matters to attend to, so I will be leaving now."
After saying that, he turned and left.
"Envoy Zhao? Lord Zhao?"
Wang Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites shouted twice, but seeing that his shouting did not work, he sighed dejectedly and finally shouted:
"Some things, if you do them now, are a favor. If you don't do them, they can still solve the problem. Then the favor will turn into hatred. Think about it carefully."
After saying this, Minister Wang retreated into the carriage as if he had completed a mission, and urged the driver to drive away.
Zhao Duan stopped, turned his head and watched the other person disappear into the crowd, as if thinking about something.
…
afternoon.
Zhao Duan went to the palace again, but not to see the empress. Instead, he used the "offering" badge to enter the palace and headed towards the armory.
We found the gate of the yamen where the royal family was offering sacrifices.
The last time he came here was when he received his offering badge. When he arrived, he first asked where Eunuch Hai was and got the reply:
"My father-in-law is resting and won't see outsiders."
Rest? He's still sleeping now? Zhao Duan thought to himself, isn't it said that people get less sleep as they get older?
The eunuch on duty in the yamen knew Zhao Duan's special status and said cautiously:
"If you have something important to report, you can also go and report it."
"No need," Zhao Duan waved his hand and said:
"I want to check the Shadow Guard's information. Where can I find it? Or, can I access it with my authority?"
The young eunuch smiled and pointed to the opposite side of the yamen:
"In that archive, the Shadow Guard's basic information is all there. You can check it out yourself. Only a small amount of top-secret information is not here."
It would be best if I could check it myself... Zhao Duan nodded, went out to the document library, showed his badge, and entered smoothly.
And successfully found the file of "Temporarily Conferred Gold Medal Shadow Guard" on a bookshelf in the document library.
"That's it!"
Zhao Duan picked up a copy of the book covered with a light dust and opened it. The portrait on the first page was indeed the woman wearing the bronze mask.
"Hongye? Her name is Hongye?" Zhao Duan finally learned the other party's name.
The members of the Shadow Guard are generally composed of three types of people. One type is inherited from generation to generation. That is, after the old Shadow Guard retires or dies, he can recommend his descendants to replace him.
One type is soldiers transferred from the army, often those who are outstanding among the "scouts in the army" are selected and transferred in.
Another way is to recruit from the outside world, such as some people from the underworld, or even businessmen, who will be recruited to become members of the Shadow Guard.
However, this type of person is often on the periphery and is mostly responsible for collecting intelligence and providing some assistance.
The information shows that this shadow guard named "Hongye" was inherited from within the internal ranks, and his expertise lies in assassination and tracking.
As for the inheritance he possessed, it had no name, but was passed down from one generation to the next.
It is a unique martial art that combines "Kendo" and "Great Mother Divine Magic".
"Huh, she's also practicing both martial arts and magic? Hmm... but this doesn't seem to be the same as the Martial God inheritance...
The Martial God merges the two into one, while this Hongye simply uses the sorcerer's cultivation method as a foundation while also practicing martial arts sword techniques... Well, if I must make an analogy, it's like the Buddhist monk Tianhai, right?"
Zhao Duan tried to understand.
"So, she's still a sorcerer at heart, but her fighting style is more like a warrior's...hiss, reminds me of a magician wielding a magic wand for physical attacks..."
"The Great Mother Goddess? One of the true gods, only women can worship this deity, but she's not on the roster of gods worshipped by the Tianshi Mansion and Shenlong Temple...
It was quite active a thousand years ago, but because this god's magic and combat power were relatively weak and tended to be more auxiliary... so it gradually declined... Well, I understand why she wanted to practice martial arts as well..."
Zhao Duan looked through the contents of the file and suddenly realized.
He continued to flip through the pages and saw that the paper was densely packed with information about Hongye's battle record.
After a quick scan, I found a description of the origin of this inheritance at the very end:
"To practice this tradition, one must cover their face with a mask to gather magical power. In times of life and death, they can lift the mask to receive blessings... This tradition can be traced back to approximately six hundred years ago, to the time of Emperor Taizu, and to Pei Niannu, the foremost female sorcerer in the martial arts world.
History records that he once fought Taizu, with no clear winner. Later, in a battle with his enemy, he removed his visor, entered the realm of false heaven and man, and chased the powerful enemy for 3,000 miles before dying of exhaustion.
"Note: According to 'Taizu's Handwritten Notes, Volume 6, Family Letters', Pei Niannu often frequented teahouses, listening to storytellers reciting stories. He would become completely engrossed and unable to extricate himself. He would use a secret method to imprison anyone who interrupted a story, and would not release them until they had finished the story."
…
I'm not in good shape, so I'll update once today and try to write more tomorrow.
Thanks to: he2004 for the 200-point reward!
(End of this chapter)
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