Chapter 439 Everyone Hates Zhao Duan (5k)
A spring breeze dispelled the remaining coldness in the capital, and the spring of the third year of Tianfeng arrived quietly.
After a few spring rains, the branches that had been withered and yellow for a winter began to sprout new buds, and even earlier than that were the peach blossoms in the capital.
Early morning, Zhao family.
Zhao Duan sat cross-legged on the bed, with only a single piece of clothing covering his upper body. As he breathed in and out through his mouth and nose, his chest and abdomen could be vaguely seen rising and falling.
"call--"
After finishing another big circle of breathing, Zhao Duan opened his eyes, feeling the Qi in his Qi Sea and the almost endless energy in his body. He raised his fingers to touch his nose, looked at the blood oozing from his nostrils, and twitched his mouth:
"Taking drugs is a great tonic..."
Zhao Duan wiped the blood from his nose with a handkerchief, then stood up and put on his clothes. He had gotten used to the frequent bleeding.
Another month has passed since Zhuang Xiaocheng was beheaded, and the subsequent impact of Zhuang Xiaocheng's death continues to spread.
Yunxi, Wu Ling, Lin Yuebai and others, after taking sides, were sent out as non-staff "shadow guards" to continue fighting against the remnants of the Kuangfu Society.
Under the arrangement of the empress, Zhao Duan officially began to join the team of royal worshippers, swallowing, boiling and digesting the natural treasures prepared by the empress.
Gradually refined into internal strength.
"If you want to quickly break through to the higher levels, you need to accumulate enough internal energy in your Qi Sea to forcibly widen your meridians. This process may be a little painful, so bear with it."
The Empress once explained it this way.
But in fact...
Perhaps because of the "rebuilding of the foundation of Taoism" at the beginning, Zhao Duan's meridians were unusually flexible, and he didn't feel much pain. However, he felt uncomfortable and bloated all over every day, with a feeling of suffocation that he wanted to vent but had no way to vent.
The relatively fragile capillaries in the nasal cavity are particularly vulnerable, and it is unacceptable to have nosebleeds several times a day...
"My current internal energy is so strong that I'm afraid it has already reached the limit of the Divine Chapter Realm. I wonder how many layers of armor I can break if I release my energy at full strength."
After Zhao Duan finished dressing and washing up, he wiped his nose with a handkerchief and couldn't help but daydream.
The method used by Yu warriors to test their Qi was extremely crude. They would wrap their weapons with Qi and bombard obstacles. The more layers of armor they could penetrate, the stronger their internal strength was.
However, according to Zhen Bao, he needs to hold it in and wait until the accumulation reaches the limit before releasing it, otherwise it will easily waste the medicinal power.
"That should be about it. If I hold it in any longer, I feel like I'm going to explode..."
Shaking his head, Zhao Duan pushed the door and walked out, preparing to go into the palace after dinner to ask Eunuch Xia Hai whether it was time.
…
There was a spring rain last night, and the sky cleared up this morning. The entire Zhao Mansion was washed by the drizzle and shone golden in the sunlight.
On the way to the dining room, Zhao Duan found a row of peach branches inserted in the window of his house, which were extremely bright and beautiful.
In the dining room.
At the round table, Zhao Pan took off her winter coat and put on a silk dress that better highlighted her girlish figure.
The Pekingese dog, which she named "Mantou", stuck out its tongue and wagged its tail to beg for mercy at Zhao Duan who came in.
Breakfast was placed on the table, and the mistress of the house, Eugene Hua, changed back into her favorite dark green long dress with the cuffs rolled up, revealing her fleshy forearms.
At this moment, she was standing next to a large floor-standing porcelain vase, carefully planting a peach branch covered with pink and white flower buds and still wet with moisture into the vase.
"Auntie, why are there so many flowers today?" Zhao Duan asked curiously.
Eugene turned around and looked at her stepson with a smile:
"Did you forget the date, Dalang? Today is the day to welcome the God of Spring, and every household is planting peach blossoms."
The Yu Kingdom had four gods, with the "God of Spring" being the most popular. Every year when the peach blossoms were in full bloom, even the poorest families would find a bunch of early spring wildflowers and place them in their windows or vases. It was said that whoever's flowers bloomed all day and all night would be blessed by the God of Spring, and the year would be auspicious.
"Look, I even forgot the date." Zhao Duan was not embarrassed.
If you are not working or going to school, who would bother to remember what day it is?
Zhao Pan looked at his elder brother with his autumn-water eyes and silently handed him a handkerchief with a faint fragrance:
"Brother, you're bleeding from the nose..."
“…Oh, thank you.”
"...Brother, did His Majesty give you any tonic?"
"No way...eat, eat."
The Zhao family had no rule of not talking while eating or sleeping. They chatted as usual during breakfast, and inevitably mentioned the news of the visitor from Qingshan.
A small team from the Daqing Mountain area of the East China Sea, coming to issue a challenge, arrived in Beijing last night.
Ordinary people did not pay attention to this matter, but it spread immediately within the circle of officials and dignitaries.
"Brother, have you met that group of people?" Zhao Pan raised her index finger and sipped the egg custard like a lady from a noble family.
Zhao Duan shook his head: "It's too late."
Eugene frowned and said worriedly:
"I heard that among the people coming this time is the man named Chai who led your elder brother to capture during the Buddhist-Taoist battle last year."
"Chai Ke Qiao."
"Yes, with this strange name, I heard it seems to be even more powerful. I wonder if it will cause trouble for your eldest brother."
Zhao Duan held a bowl of rice porridge in one hand, slurped it down, and said lightly:
"Don't worry, Auntie. I won't cause them any trouble. That's even a sign of mercy. Okay, now that I'm full, I'm going to the palace."
He put down his bowl and chopsticks, put on his outer robe and walked out of the dining room. As he walked through the courtyard, a drop of water happened to fall from a peach tree in the yard.
Zhao Duan turned his wrist, flicked his fingers, and the water droplets floated and swayed, then hit the wall of the Chuihua Gate like bullets.
"There's progress." He compared it to the scene where Eunuch Hai played with water droplets and nodded silently.
When he left the house, Uncle Zhao came over with the account book in his hand. Suddenly he noticed something strange about the courtyard wall, so he walked over and slowly approached it with his butt raised.
Through a tiny hole in the wall, I could see the scenery on the opposite side.
…
…
Zhao Duan entered the palace familiarly. He did not disturb the empress, but went to the martial arts hall where the royal servants were.
The Martial Arts Hall was built in front of the "Arsenal". It was a very special place in the imperial city where the so-called "foreign masters" gathered.
The eunuchs here have a very high status. In the eyes of the world, they have always been stereotyped as being cold and cruel, coming and going without a trace, and killing people without blinking an eye.
However, when Zhao Duan strolled into the courtyard, the palace attendants along the way stopped, forced smiles, and greeted him warmly:
"Master Shao Bao, you are here early today."
"Meet the young guard."
"Master Shao Bao has arrived just in time. I've just brewed some Biluochun for you."
"Your Excellency's complexion is getting better and better, and your cultivation has been very successful."
Zhao Duan nodded with a smile, feeling sincerely that the rumors among the people were clearly distorted. Where did the cold-blooded and bloody killer come from?
They are clearly a group of enthusiastic and easy-going colleagues.
It’s true that there are too many misunderstandings from the outside world.
"Has the sea offering been started?" he asked casually as he walked towards the inner hall.
Inside the hall, two eunuchs who had arrived early stood up, one of them putting on a flattering smile:
"Eunuch Hai has been summoned by His Majesty and is not here at the moment."
The eunuch who was speaking had a pointed face and monkey-like appearance. He wore a light red round-necked offering gown, and his hair was hidden under a wingless black gauze. He was about the same age as Zhao Duan, with his eyes rolling around, and was very good at dancing with long sleeves.
His name is Song Jinxi, he is a top-grade divine master, and is only one step away from the human world.
Behind him, another eunuch who also stood up and saluted was in his thirties. He was serious and wore a jacket of the same color. He had a large frame and a serious and steady personality.
His name is Tang Jinzhong, he is a worshipper in the secular realm and has strong martial arts skills.
Zhao Duan has been practicing martial arts in the martial arts hall these days. Eunuch Hai is used to being lazy and often takes naps in the armory, so he arranged for two people to take care of him.
Logically speaking, Zhao Duan has the least "seniority" among these worshippers and should be regarded as a "junior brother".
But being a royal disciple is not a master after all. Zhao Duan’s identity as the young protector is nothing, but the hidden identity of “the emperor’s husband” is indeed special.
The officials originally served the royal family. Who knows, in a few years, Zhao Duan might also become a member of the royal family.
Therefore, the distinction between master and servant cannot be confused.
Therefore, in the Wugong Hall, except for Eunuch Hai, all the worshippers were respectful and humble to Zhao Duan, acting like servants.
"Has His Majesty summoned him?" Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows, entered the inner hall, sat down first, and invited the two "senior brothers" to sit with him before asking:
"Could it be because of the Qingshan disciple's matter?"
The slick Song Jinxi nodded and bowed:
"Young Master's guess was correct. This morning, Qingshan's disciples entered the palace to meet the emperor and present the declaration of war."
Tang Jinzhong, who was more in line with the character of a cold worshipper, also nodded and said in a deep voice:
"The eunuch had attended the appointment at Qingshan in the past and is more familiar with this matter than Your Majesty, so he went."
Zhao Duan picked up the Biluochun tea and squinted his eyes and said:
"I heard that according to tradition, disciples from Qingshan would stay in the imperial city for a while after they came here, sparring and discussing martial arts with the royal family's worshippers?"
Song Jinxi nodded, looking worried:
"It's called a discussion, but in reality it's a competition. Although it has nothing to do with the duel between Your Majesty and Wu Xiankui, it's a major matter that concerns the reputation of the royal family..."
Tang Jinzhong nodded, looking more solemn and serious than usual.
The royal families of all dynasties have always cared a lot about their reputation. Although the Qingshan inheritance has a long history, it is ultimately a force in the underworld.
When the two sides compete, especially in the royal territory, if one side is inferior, the entire royal family will suffer a great loss of face.
Zhao Duan nodded and was about to ask for details when a voice suddenly came from outside the martial arts hall:
"Mo Zhaorong..."
He turned his head and saw the "Big Ice Tub" in the courtyard. She was wearing a female official's robe, with plum blossom makeup on her brow and a serious face.
Tang Jinzhong and Song Jinxi stood up again, quite surprised:
"Miss Mo...but what are His Majesty's instructions?"
Mo Chou came alone, waved her hand upon hearing this, and said calmly:
"I have something to say to Zhao Shaobao alone."
The two priests looked at each other, then cast a questioning look at Zhao Duan. After the latter nodded, they bowed and left.
He also drove out the other eunuchs serving in the courtyard.
…
"Why did Mo Zhaorong come here suddenly? What do you have to say to me?"
Zhao Duan smiled and motioned her to sit down, then grabbed a handful of dried fruits from the tray on the coffee table.
"Would you like to eat something?"
"..." Mo Chou rolled her eyes, sat down opposite him, frowned and said:
"Did you know that Qingshan's people are coming?"
Zhao Duan took the dried fruit back, crushed a walnut and ate it, saying lazily:
"How could I not know? I was just trying to find out what kind of people these people are. I heard that Chai Keqiao is here again? And has he made any progress?"
Mo Chou looked at Mr. Zhao, who looked dishonest, with disdain and teased:
"Yes, Chai Keqiao has already entered the secular realm. How is it? Are you feeling any pressure?"
As expected, he advanced... Yes, as Wu Xiankui's direct disciple, this person is a genius on the same level as Gongshu Tianyuan and his companions... During the Buddhist-Taoist competition, he was already at the peak of the Divine Chapter...
Zhao Duan didn't care at all: "How many years has he been practicing? How long have I been practicing? What's the pressure?"
Seeing that he was not struck, Mo Chou felt bored and continued:
"Besides him, there are two other disciples from Qingshan who have come on this trip. Both of them are outstanding among the disciples who have not yet left the mountain."
Disciples of the Qingshan lineage are divided into "on the mountain" and "down the mountain". Generally speaking, those who have made progress in their practice, or feel that they can no longer make breakthroughs on the mountain, will choose to "come down the mountain" and enter the world of martial arts.
For those who come down the mountain, apart from their relationship with Qingshan, what they do next and which force they join are all personal choices and have nothing to do with Qingshan.
Duan Shuiliu, who attempted to assassinate Zhao Duan, is a typical example.
The status of the Qingshan lineage in the minds of martial artists in the martial arts world was built by generations of people who came down the mountain and the gods on the mountain.
Everyone knows that if any force dares to attack Qingshan, those Qingshan disciples who are wandering around the world and making a living in different forces will surely return. That will be a formidable force.
Correspondingly, the disciples who are still practicing in the mountains have their every move related to the Qingshan Sect.
"There are two more?" Zhao Duan asked curiously, "Who are they?"
Even the imperial court found it difficult to ascertain the information on Qingshan, so he didn't know much.
Mo Chou said, "One of them is called Qiye, a swordsman with a top-grade divine seal. He is a good friend of the young monk Tianhai."
"……so?"
“So he’s interested in you.
Last year, you used the Tai'a sword to seriously injure the young monk Tianhai. This was not considered decent in the martial arts world. Many people stood up for Tianhai and thought that you were seeking fame.
It's just that most people are afraid of the court and dare not speak publicly, but Qiye dares to do so." Mo Chou sighed.
Zhao Duan blinked and asked curiously:
"Miss Mo, do you also think that I am seeking fame and reputation?"
Mo Chou said unhappily:
"You think your victory was impeccable? You couldn't even defeat Chai Keqiao, who was at the Divine Chapter Realm, and you even dispatched troops to suppress him. Ha, judging by what you always say, isn't this a 'dark history'?"
What dark history? That’s how I came to be... Zhao Duan was unhappy.
He is different now than he was last year. I really want to say:
Big Ice Tub, don't look at people with old eyes!
Mo Chou finished her complaints and continued, "As for the third person, she is a woman named Xiao Ran."
She dipped her finger in tea and wrote the name on the wooden table.
Zhao Duan was puzzled:
"Is this person special? Could he be very powerful?"
"It's not weak, but it's only a top-grade divine chapter and has not entered the world." Mo Chou shook her head.
Zhao Duan was puzzled, "Then you specifically wrote her name... Pardon my ignorance."
Mo Chou glanced at him and said:
"Her original surname was 'Xiao', the 'Xiao' in Concubine Xiao. According to seniority, she should be called Aunt Concubine Xiao. She is a direct descendant of the Xiao family, the in-laws."
Isn't that... the family of the imperial relatives who followed Jian Wen in the rebellion? Weren't they all exterminated for treason? Only Concubine Xiao is left. Are they crazy? Where did this niece appear?
The walnuts Zhao Duan was cracking in his hand almost fell.
Mo Chou saw what he was thinking and explained:
"Xiao Ran was sent to Qingshan to learn martial arts with the Xiao family a long time ago. When the family was exterminated, he survived because he had already become a disciple of Daqingshan and was protected by Wuxiankui. However, as a price, he also changed his surname to show that he had distanced himself from the rebellious Xiao family."
Zhao Duan was speechless: "Why is it so messy..."
Mo Chou ignored him and continued:
"Xiao Ran didn't know about Concubine Xiao's madness, but that's not important. What's important is that in her eyes, Your Majesty is the enemy who killed her entire family, and you, me...all of us, are accomplices."
Zhao Duan had a headache:
"What kind of group is this? Chai Keqiao has a grudge against me, Xiao Ran is hostile to me, and Qi Ye also dislikes me. Does this mean this group is just trying to antagonize me? What kind of Avengers Alliance is this..."
"Avengers?" Mo Chou was stunned for a moment, thinking that this statement was a bit exaggerated, but she was already used to this guy's occasional weird words, and said quietly:
"It's because you have so many enemies."
Zhao Duan held his forehead and sighed:
"A tree that stands out in the forest will inevitably be destroyed by the wind. Blame me for being too outstanding... So you came all the way here to tell me all this. Are you telling me to be careful? To avoid being assassinated?"
Mo Chou sneered, "This is the Imperial Palace. Even if they dared to take action, they couldn't."
After a pause, she said seriously, "I hope you can be more tolerant."
"Ah?" Zhao Duan was surprised.
Mo Chou stared at him earnestly with her dark eyes:
"I know that you're quite displeased with the people of Qingshan because of Yansuohu Duanshuiliu's assassination attempt on you. With your vengeful nature, I'm afraid you've been thinking about taking revenge on them for a long time."
Zhao Duan did not deny it.
Mo Chou said bitterly:
"And these three are all hostile to you. They certainly wouldn't dare to go too far. But within the rules, it wouldn't be surprising if they clashed with you under the guise of exchanging martial arts. I know that as long as you don't go too far, His Majesty won't stop you. Hmm... perhaps you've already discussed this with His Majesty..."
Zhao Duan slapped the walnut shell in his hand and frowned:
"Mo Zhaorong, you and I are old acquaintances. There's no need to beat around the bush. Just speak frankly."
Mo Chou sighed and said seriously:
"You know the current situation in the world. The Eight Princes are restless, and the imperial court has just emerged from the haze and breathed a sigh of relief. If we break off relations with Qingshan now, it will be too ugly. Once Wu Xiankui is pushed to the side of the Eight Princes..."
Zhao Duan interrupted her:
"I understand. Are you afraid that Qingshan will deliberately arrange three people who have grudges against me to pick a fight with me, to provoke me into taking action, and then use this as an excuse to interfere in the fight between Your Majesty and the Eighth Prince?
Or maybe you're simply afraid that if things get out of hand, Qingshan will side with the Eighth Prince...so you're asking me to be more tolerant? Is this your personal opinion?"
Mo Chou's eyes dimmed and she nodded:
"It's my own idea. I know you don't have a good impression of me. Considering the fights we've had in the past, it's understandable that you wouldn't agree. I just don't want Her Majesty to be too tired... If you don't want to, then just pretend I never came."
As she spoke, she slowly stood up and walked out without much hope.
As I stepped out of the door, I heard Zhao Duan's calm voice behind me:
"I can only promise you that I won't cause trouble for them."
Mo Chou was stunned, a look of joy flashed across her face. She turned her head and was about to say something when she heard footsteps outside the yard.
"Zhao Shaobao, Mo Zhaorong, and Eunuch Hai sent a message."
The attendant Song Jinxi walked in and said loudly:
"His Majesty has finished meeting with the disciples of Qingshan. Now, it's our turn as the worshippers of the Martial Arts Hall to go meet them."
Coming now?
Zhao Duan and Mo Chou exchanged a glance, then picked up the teacup, drank it all in one gulp, stood up and said with a smile:
"Let's go and meet these outsiders."
(End of this chapter)
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