The imperial court quickly received the news. In the secret residence in Lin'an, the emperor looked at Murong Xingchen and Qiu Zeyu and said, "I heard that a major event happened early this morning. What are your thoughts?"
Murong Xingchen didn't dare speak first. The moment she opened her eyes that day, news of the upcoming auction of a rare treasure had already spread far and wide. Crucially, this treasure was precisely what her family had been secretly searching for. As far as she knew, her family did indeed possess three precious jade pieces, which might very well be the key to that mysterious treasure box. Otherwise, her brother wouldn't have met such a tragic end simply for giving that woman from the brothel a piece of jade. Clearly, the three pieces of jade were of paramount importance. Now that it had attracted the Emperor's attention, the implications were undoubtedly immense, and a layer of fine sweat broke out on her back.
Did His Majesty already know something and ask on purpose? Or perhaps someone in the family has harbored ulterior motives, arousing His Majesty's suspicion? Otherwise, how could a trivial matter in the martial world concern His Majesty? There must be a connection.
No wonder that among the many outstanding new officials in the court, why was he the only one favored? Standing below the hall, his scalp tingled. The life and death of his entire family rested on his position today; he had to be extremely careful with his words and actions.
Only now did he realize why his father had never allowed him to stand out.
But Mother longs for me to grow up, and now it seems Father is keeping it a secret from Mother as well.
Qiu Zeyu wasn't one to stir up trouble, so he simply gave an objective assessment: "I've heard about this treasure as well. It is indeed a coveted treasure that people in the martial arts world have been pursuing for many years, but I've never seen it myself. As for the rumors in the martial arts world that whoever obtains this treasure can dominate the martial arts world, I have no idea whether that's true."
The Emperor did not respond.
Liu Xun, a trusted aide, spoke up, "Your Majesty, that old Taoist priest Gao Qiu might know something. These past few days, the grandfather and grandson have been enjoying family time, so I think he will definitely tell you everything he knows."
Upon hearing this, the two men standing below the hall felt a chill run down their spines, wondering what would happen to them.
So the two men clasped their hands in unison to express their loyalty, saying, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, we are utterly loyal to the Holy Court and are willing to give our lives for Your Majesty."
The Emperor did not express his opinion, but simply gestured for them not to panic. He reached into the fruit plate in front of him, picked the reddest grape, put it in his mouth, chewed it a couple of times, and said with a smile, "This year is a bumper harvest. These grapes are really sweet and delicious."
Liu Xun chimed in, "This year, everything has gone smoothly and the weather has been favorable. The people have been able to enjoy a bumper harvest, all thanks to His Majesty's boundless grace and his tireless efforts in managing state affairs."
The Emperor nodded with a smile, ate another grape, and then said, "You said that old Taoist priest knows something. I'm also curious about things in the martial world, so let him come up and tell me. I've been so busy lately that I often have insomnia, so listening to him will be a good way to relax and have some fun." He then chuckled.
"yes!"
Soon the old Taoist priest was brought up, and he bowed to the emperor first, behaving very obediently.
His Majesty asked, "How are your injuries?"
The old Taoist priest, Gao Qiu, was filled with trepidation. "Your Majesty, the pain has subsided. Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty, for allowing us, grandfather and grandson, to recognize each other. I am deeply grateful and am willing to serve you like a cow or a horse to repay your grace."
The Emperor did not speak again, but simply nodded.
At this moment, Liu Xun took out a notice he had brought back from the street and handed it to the old Taoist priest, casually saying, "You have quite a reputation in the martial arts world, and you have followed Nan Fangnan for so many years, so you must know what this martial arts order says."
Gao Qiu took the ball and examined it carefully, then was shocked! He had only escaped the vortex a few days ago, and now, after enduring countless hardships, he was finally getting a few days of peace. Before, he was constantly fighting and losing sleep; now he realized that simple happiness was the greatest.
He then found his grandson, Gao Zimeng, and only wanted to raise him well, not wanting to get involved in the martial arts world again. Unexpectedly, a martial arts decree was issued at this time, indicating that a storm was finally brewing.
This is no small matter. In just a few days, such a huge wave has been stirred up in the martial arts world. It seems that a bloody storm is inevitable.
After a moment's thought, Gao Qiu knelt down and presented his case, saying, "Your Majesty, the treasure mentioned in this Jianghu token must be the very thing that Nanfang Nan and Hua Yuhe are both tracking."
The Emperor, intrigued, asked, "What do they want this for? To unify the martial arts world?"
Gao Qiu spoke frankly, "Martial arts practitioners always want to be the best, and competitiveness is a common mentality among people in the martial arts world. It is said that whoever obtains this treasure will rule the world. Now that this treasure has been openly brought out, I'm afraid there will be another battle for it in the martial arts world."
Liu Xun said sarcastically, "This world belongs to His Majesty! How dare you, Gao Qiu, spout such nonsense!"
Gao Qiu, realizing his words were inappropriate, quickly kowtowed and confessed, "Your Majesty, please understand. This is merely hearsay in the martial arts world. I have followed Nanfang Nan for many years. Although his intentions are not pure, if he had such thoughts, it would be like an ant trying to shake a tree! As for Hua Yuhe, she is nothing more than Nanfang Nan's henchman. In front of Your Majesty, she is nothing but child's play. However, there is another rumor in the martial arts world that a high-ranking official in the court also enjoys cultivating extraordinary skills, and he is searching for this treasure in many places. As for other matters, I know nothing."
The Emperor was not angry; his expression was gentle. "Liu Xun, give these grapes to him and let the child try them. They are quite sweet."
Liu Xun placed the grapes on the high ball and winked, saying, "If you remember anything else, report back immediately. Why don't you thank the Emperor for his great favor!"
Without further ado, the two men below the hall understood the Emperor's intention.
Gao Qiu thanked Long En and withdrew.
Murong Xingchen took the initiative to speak, "Your Majesty, a few days ago, something happened at home. I originally thought it was a trivial matter, but now that I think about it carefully, it should be related to this Jianghu token. However, I am not sure if it is related or not. I am willing to take on this task and go to the auction to try my luck and bring back that martial arts manual for Your Majesty."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor first laughed heartily, then rubbed his hands together and said with satisfaction, "I am indeed quite curious about what kind of treasure could possibly be so coveted by heroes from all walks of life in the martial world. If it is truly a beneficial item for the country and its people, then it would be good to promote and develop it. If it is something harmful, then we should take it back and destroy it, which would also quell the conflicts in the martial world. I entrust this matter to you. You may raise any difficulties with me."
Murong Xingchen breathed a sigh of relief. The Emperor had only touched on the point and hadn't pressed for details. He left with unease, having accepted the order.
After he left, Qiu Zeyu stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, there is something I have not yet had time to report. I wonder if it is still possible to do so now?"
The Emperor was in high spirits, as the matter that had troubled him for many years was about to be resolved. He smiled and said, "Hero Qiu, there's no need for formalities. Speak freely. I trust you the most. There are many treacherous people in the court these days. You are my rare eyes and ears. Without your help, I fear the people will suffer and I will be deceived."
Qiu Zeyu stated frankly, "This Jianghu token was created by a woman."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor and Liu Xun exchanged a glance, unable to hide their shock.
The Emperor asked, "What do you mean by that?"
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