The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, becoming a disciple of Yue Buqun

Page 425

Chapter 576: Discussion of the Martial World in the Imperial Palace

Zhu Houzhao kept his head down, his hand holding a pen, writing rapidly on the imperial table, seemingly engrossed in something. Upon hearing the eunuch's report, he paused, looked up at the kneeling eunuch, and hummed in response.

"Xuan."

"Yes."

The eunuch withdrew, and Zhu Houzhao glanced at the paper on the imperial table but did not put it away; he simply left it there.

A short while later, Chongxu walked in.

"This humble Taoist priest, Chongxu, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Chongxu bowed to Zhu Houzhao.

Zhu Houzhao said with a smile, "Please rise, Daoist Master."

After Chongxu straightened up, Zhu Houzhao smiled and said, "In principle, I should have summoned the Daoist immediately after ascending the throne. However, I have been busy with many matters since my ascension and have not had the time. So it has been delayed until now, and I hope the Daoist will not be offended by the long wait."

Chongxu quickly replied, "This humble Taoist wouldn't dare. Your Majesty is busy with state affairs and naturally prioritizes national matters."

Zhu Houzhao smiled and nodded, saying, "I have been sitting at my desk for a long time today and my back is aching. I wonder if you would be willing to come outside with me for a walk?"

Chongxu nodded demurely: "This humble Taoist has no objection."

Zhu Houzhao chuckled, then got up and stretched, looking quite casual.

Chongxu ignored it.

"what."

Zhu Houzhao was about to walk around the imperial table when he suddenly remembered something and said to Chongxu.

"Master Chongxu, I have heard that your calligraphy is superb. Please take a look at this piece of calligraphy I have written and see how it is."

After entering, Chongxu had kept his eyes slightly lowered, only staring at the ground in front of him. When he heard Zhu Houzhao's words, he raised his head and glanced at the imperial table before looking away and smiling.

"Your Majesty's calligraphy is vigorous and elegant, with free and unrestrained strokes yet still domineering, possessing an aura that can swallow mountains and rivers. I am ashamed to admit that I am inferior to you."

"Ha ha ha ha."

Zhu Houzhao laughed heartily, put his hands behind his back, and strode out of the imperial study.

Chongxu followed behind.

Along the way, Zhu Houzhao asked questions about the books as if they were having a casual conversation, and Chongxu responded appropriately. The two had a very pleasant conversation.

"By the way, Taoist priest."

The two arrived at a pavilion. Zhu Houzhao sat down inside and gestured for Chongxu to sit as well. After Chongxu sat down, Zhu Houzhao spoke.

"I've heard that the martial arts world has been quite lively lately, with several major events occurring in recent years. Your Wudang Sect is a renowned sect in the martial arts world, so you must know a great deal about what's going on. Could you tell me a little about it?"

Upon hearing this, Chongxu raised an eyelid and looked at Zhu Houzhao, saying, "Is Your Majesty also interested in the martial arts world?"

Zhu Houzhao chuckled: "Whether it's the high halls of the court or the distant lands of the Jianghu, they are all my Great Ming. Whether it's the officials or those Jianghu people, they are all subjects of my Great Ming. Besides, most of those Jianghu people come from the streets and are closely related to the common people. It's not wrong for me to care about them."

Upon hearing this, Chongxu looked at Zhu Houzhao with considerable surprise.

The young emperor before them seemed quite different from the previous emperor.

Chongxu had met Emperor Hongzhi several times and wanted to report on the affairs of the martial arts world to him, hoping to persuade the court to strengthen its control over the martial arts world, but Emperor Hongzhi was not interested in these matters.

Unexpectedly, Zhu Houzhao, the son of the Hongzhi Emperor, was interested in the martial arts world.

Chongxu smiled slightly: "Since Your Majesty is interested in the martial world, I will naturally speak freely and without reservation."

Zhu Houzhao smiled as well.

Chongxu paused slightly, not immediately beginning his narration, but instead asked, "What would Your Majesty like to hear?"

Chongxu felt that Zhu Houzhao hadn't asked for no reason; he must have something he wanted to know.

really.

"I would like to know what the current landscape of the martial arts world is like? How has it changed from the previous landscape? And how did the current situation come about?"

Zhu Houzhao said.

Your Majesty's questions are very pertinent.

Chongxu thought to himself.

However, Chongxu did not linger for long, and after a pause, he spoke.

"Although the martial arts world is a mixed bag, it can generally be divided into two paths: the righteous and the demonic. Previously, the righteous path was represented by Shaolin, Wudang, Kunlun, and the Five Mountains Sword Sects..."

……

Chongxu spoke for a long time and in great detail, even taking a few sips of water to moisten his throat in the middle.

Zhu Houzhao listened quietly the whole time without making a sound to disturb him.

Chongxu began his story by recounting the rise of the Sun Moon Sect and continued to the major events that had occurred in recent years.

"Since the Five Mountains Sword Sects disintegrated due to internal strife two years ago when Zuo Lengchan, the leader of the Songshan Sect, attempted to annex the Five Mountains Sword Sects, the Songshan Sect was wiped out by the four sects. Zuo Lengchan was also killed by Jiang Ning, a disciple of the Huashan Sect. The remaining four sects later formed a new alliance with Emei, called Weiyi. The current righteous path consists of Shaolin, Wudang, Weiyi Alliance, and Kunlun Sects fighting against the Demonic Sect. The Demonic Sect has also split into two due to the conflict between the old and new leaders. Ren Woxing and Dongfang Bubai each control half of the Demonic Path. This is the current situation in the martial arts world."

Zhu Houzhao listened quietly, looked at Chongxu, and smiled, "Daoist Master, you've worked hard."

Zhu Houzhao gestured, and immediately another eunuch served tea.

Chongxu smiled slightly and said, "It is my honor to explain these things to Your Majesty."

After Chongxu finished his tea, Zhu Houzhao said, "According to what you said, the Demonic Sect is too powerful. Most of its members are people who indiscriminately kill innocent people, and there are even cannibals among them. These two so-called Demonic Sect leaders are ambitious and have tens of thousands of followers. If one day they seize a province and intend to oppose the court, it will be a hidden danger and a disaster for our Great Ming. At that time, I don't know how many people will be poisoned by them."

Chongxu said, "Your Majesty, in fact, of the two leaders of the Demonic Sect, the current leader, Dongfang Bubai, has been living on Blackwood Cliff for the past few years. Although there are many lawless members under his command, the martial arts world is generally peaceful and there are no major conflicts. However, after the former leader of the Demonic Sect, Ren Woxing, escaped from his predicament two years ago, he has been trying to take back the Demonic Sect, control its members, and overthrow the martial arts world, causing many innocent people to fall into bloodshed. This person is the one with great ambitions."

Zhu Houzhao smiled noncommittally.

Chongxu looked at him and suddenly said, “Your Majesty, although the martial world is currently in chaos, with the righteous and the demonic paths opposing each other, the overall strength of the two sides is currently balanced. If the court wants to regulate the martial world, I believe that we can win over the righteous path. Most of the people of the righteous path are chivalrous and righteous, and our righteous sects are also opposed to the demonic sects. If Your Majesty can win over the righteous sects to fight against the demonic sects, the court can achieve peace in the martial world and the Ming Dynasty without losing a single soldier.”

Zhu Houzhao did not speak upon hearing this, but smiled and changed the subject, saying, "I just heard the Taoist priest talk about the general situation in the martial arts world, and one person is inextricably linked to it."

Chongxu was somewhat disappointed that he hadn't been able to persuade Zhu Houzhao to intervene in the martial arts world, but he still nodded.

"Indeed, Jiang Ning is a special person. All the events that have happened in the martial arts world in recent years are related to him."

When Chongxu was talking about the current state of the martial arts world, he mentioned Jiang Ning quite a few times. In fact, it could be said that Jiang Ning was the name he mentioned the most.

There was no other way; if you wanted to discuss important matters in the martial arts world with Zhu Houzhao, you simply couldn't avoid mentioning Jiangning.

"Is Your Majesty curious about this person?"

After recounting Jiang Ning's deeds, Chongxu couldn't help but ask a question.

Zhu Houzhao smiled.

"To be honest, Daoist Master, I am not only curious about the person you are talking about, but I also know him and he is a close friend of mine."

Chongxu was clearly taken aback for a moment.

"what?"

Chapter 577: Ode to Mount Hua

Chongxu was clearly shocked.

He never expected that Jiang Ning would know Zhu Houzhao, but what shocked him even more was that Zhu Houzhao said that he and Jiang Ning were close friends.

Countless questions arose in Chongxu's mind.

How did Jiang Ning come to know Zhu Houzhao? When did Jiang Ning meet him? Does the fact that Jiang Ning and Zhu Houzhao are on good terms mean that the Huashan Sect has been secretly communicating with the imperial court?

Zhu Houzhao's casual remark sparked a mental storm in Chongxu's mind.

"Taoist, Taoist?"

While Chongxu was deep in thought, Zhu Houzhao called out to him twice to wake him up.

Chongxu snapped out of his daze and immediately realized his rudeness. He bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive my rudeness."

"It doesn't matter."

Zhu Houzhao smiled and nodded, like a magnanimous emperor.

Zhu Houzhao looked at Chongxu and smiled, "Daoist Master seems quite surprised."

Chongxu had calmed down by then, and upon hearing Zhu Houzhao's words, he replied, "This humble Taoist is indeed somewhat surprised. I did not expect that Young Hero Jiang would know His Majesty, after all..."

Before Chongxu could finish speaking, Zhu Houzhao interrupted him with a smile, saying, "After all, the court despises people from the martial arts world and refers to those who deal with the court as lackeys and dogs. Yet, Jiang Ning, a figure with a great reputation in the martial arts world, is acquainted with me?"

Chongxu wanted to say something after all, but after hearing Zhu Houzhao's words, he didn't know what to say and even felt a little embarrassed.

People in the martial arts world call those who deal with the imperial court "lackeys and lackeys," so what is he now?

Seeing his expression, Zhu Houzhao immediately understood and smiled, "Daoist, don't overthink it."

Chongxu smiled slightly: "What Your Majesty said is not wrong. After all, most people in the martial arts world think so. But they don't understand one thing: the imperial court is the legitimate authority and has the right to govern the people's livelihood. From the officials to the common people, and even all people in the martial arts world, we people in the martial arts world cannot be above the imperial court. If there is no imperial court, the world will surely be in chaos."

Zhu Houzhao smiled and nodded: "The Daoist Master is a man of great wisdom and righteousness. If all the people in the martial arts world had the same thoughts as the Daoist Master, how could the world be in turmoil?"

Chongxu smiled.

Zhu Houzhao glanced at the sky, stood up and said, "I have gained a lot from meeting the Daoist today, but I am busy with state affairs, so let's stop here for today."

Chongxu also stood up and said, "This humble Taoist takes his leave."

Zhu Houzhao waved his hand, and immediately a serving eunuch escorted Chongxu away.

Zhu Houzhao watched Chongxu's departing figure with a smile on his lips until Chongxu left. Then Zhu Houzhao sat down again, leisurely looking at the surrounding scenery, showing no sign of the busy state affairs he had just mentioned.

After a while, a eunuch jogged over and knelt down before Zhu Houzhao.

"His Majesty."

Zhu Houzhao hummed in agreement and asked, "How is the Empress Dowager's health?"

The eunuch replied, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager's health has not improved. The imperial physician said that the Empress Dowager's illness is of the heart and cannot be cured by ordinary medicine. She can only be treated with slow and gentle recuperation."

"Yes, I understand."

Zhu Houzhao nodded and said, "Tell the eunuchs and palace maids to serve the Empress Dowager well."

"Yes."

Zhu Houzhao waved his hand, signaling the eunuch to leave.

At this moment, another eunuch approached Zhu Houzhao and whispered, "Your Majesty, since the death of the Marquis of Shouning last year, the Empress Dowager has been ill and unable to recover. The imperial physicians have been unable to cure her, and all kinds of medicines have been tried, but the Empress Dowager has not improved at all. On the contrary, she is getting worse day by day. She even needs to be fed by the palace maids. I even heard that a few days ago the Empress Dowager saw the Marquis of Jianchang and the Marquis of Shouning. I'm afraid she is being haunted by the vengeful spirits of the Marquis of Jianchang and the Marquis of Shouning."

Zhu Houzhao remained silent, but the eunuch continued speaking.

“I heard from people outside that this situation is caused by attracting unclean things. In my opinion, it is probably the wronged spirits of Marquis Jianchang and Marquis Shouning who miss the Empress Dowager and have come looking for her, which is why the Empress Dowager has been ill for so long.”

Zhu Houzhao glanced at him, and the eunuch immediately shut his mouth, knelt on the ground and said, "It was this servant who spoke out of turn, please punish me, Your Majesty."

Zhu Houzhao's face remained expressionless for a while before he asked, "Grand Master, what do you mean?"

Liu Jin knelt on the ground, his head buried in the ground, and said, "Your Majesty, I have heard that if there is a vengeful spirit at work, it is necessary to perform forty-nine rituals to help the deceased soul pass on."

Zhu Houzhao remained silent, seemingly deep in thought, before finally rising to his feet.

"I don't believe in ghosts or gods, but the Empress Dowager has been ill in bed for a long time, and I, as her son, am indeed worried. As long as the Empress Dowager's health can be improved, what does it matter if some futile efforts are made?"

At this point, Zhu Houzhao paused, sighed, and continued, "Both the Marquis of Jianchang and the Marquis of Shouning died violent deaths, and the murderer has not yet been found. Perhaps they are still harboring resentment and unwilling to leave. If it is indeed the spirits of the Marquis of Jianchang and the Marquis of Shouning who are haunting the Empress Dowager, I hope that after the ritual is completed, they can be released from their trance and no longer haunt the Empress Dowager. Your Excellency, you shall handle this matter."

Liu Jin quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. If the Empress Dowager knew of Your Majesty's good intentions, she would surely recover soon."

Zhu Houzhao laughed and then left.

Liu Jin stood still until Zhu Houzhao had walked quite a distance before he breathed a sigh of relief. Only then did he realize that his back was soaked with sweat.

He was taking a huge risk by saying those words.

As Zhu Houzhao's closest confidant, he naturally knew things that others did not, such as the death of the Marquis of Shouning last year.

Although the cause of the Marquis of Shouning's death has not yet been determined, Liu Jin knew that Zhu Houzhao was furious about the Marquis of Shouning's plan to mobilize troops to build his mansion the day before he died.

This made Liu Jin think twice.

Zhu Houzhao had long harbored a deep dislike for his two maternal uncles, the Marquis of Jianchang and the Marquis of Shouning, and his relationship with the Empress Dowager was even worse because of them. Now that both of them were dead, and the cause of their deaths was extremely mysterious, and the Empress Dowager was seriously ill, and Zhu Houzhao had no empress, there was no one in the palace who could control him. Zhu Houzhao's power was rapidly expanding.