Chapter 439 Everyone Hates Zhao Duan
Chapter 439 Everyone Hates Zhao Duan (5k)
A spring breeze dispelled the remaining chill 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 whole 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 cycle of breathing, Zhao Duan opened his eyes, feeling the Qi in his Qi Sea and the nearly endless energy in his body. He raised his fingers to touch his nose, looked at the blood oozing from his nostrils, and twitched his lips:
"Taking drugs is a great tonic..."
Taking out a handkerchief to wipe the blood from his nose, Zhao Duan stood up and put on his clothes. He had gotten used to the frequent bleeding.
Another month has passed since the beheading of Zhuang Xiaocheng, and the follow-up impact of Zhuang Xiaocheng's death is still continuing 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 rare treasures prepared by the empress.
Gradually refined into internal strength.
"If you want to quickly break through the high level, you need to accumulate enough internal energy in your Qi Sea to forcefully 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 Taoist foundation" at the beginning, Zhao Duan's meridians were unusually flexible, and he didn't feel much pain, but every day he felt uncomfortable and bloated all over, and had a feeling of being suffocated, wanting to vent but not being able to.
The relatively fragile capillaries in the nasal cavity are the worst hit, and you can’t handle nosebleeds more than a few times a day…
"My current internal strength has probably reached the limit of the Divine Chapter Realm. I wonder how many layers of armor I can break if I release my Qi at full strength."
After Zhao Duan finished dressing and washing, he wiped his nose with a handkerchief and couldn't help daydreaming.
The method used by Yu State warriors to test Qi was extremely crude. They would wrap their weapons with Qi and bombard obstacles. The more layers of armor that could be penetrated, the stronger the internal strength.
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 power of the medicine.
"It should be about time. 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.
……
It rained 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 on the window of his house, which were extremely bright and attractive.
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 looks.
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 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 placing the peach branches, which were covered with pink and white flower buds and still wet with moisture, into the vase.
"Aunt, 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? Today is the day to welcome the God of Spring, and every household is planting peach blossoms."
The Yu Kingdom had "four seasons gods", and the "Spring God" was the most popular. Every year when peach blossoms were in full bloom, even the poorest families would find a bunch of wild flowers in early spring and put them in the windows or vases at home. It was said that whoever's flowers bloomed all day and all night would be blessed by the Spring God and have a smooth year...
"Look, I even forgot the date." Zhao Duan was not embarrassed.
If you are not at work or school, who would deliberately remember what day it is?
Zhao Pan looked at his elder brother with his eyes as clear as autumn water, and silently handed him a handkerchief with a faint fragrance:
"Brother, you have a nosebleed..."
"...Oh, thank you."
"...Brother, did His Majesty give you any tonic?"
"No way...eat, eat."
The Zhao family did not have the rule of not talking while eating or sleeping. They chatted as usual during breakfast, and inevitably mentioned the news about the visitor from Qingshan.
A small team from the Daqing Mountain range in the East China Sea, coming to challenge, arrived in Beijing last night.
Ordinary people did not pay much attention to this matter, but it spread immediately among 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 the troops to capture your eldest brother during the battle between Buddhism and Taoism last year."
"Chai Ke Qiao."
"Yes, with this weird 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 a mercy. Okay, I'm full now. I'm going to the palace."
He put down his bowl and chopsticks, changed into his outer robe and walked out of the dining room. As he passed 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 drops 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. He walked over and slowly approached it with his butt sticking out.
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 Wugong Hall where the royal priests 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 a smile, and greeted him warmly:
"Master Shao Bao, you are here early today."
"Meet Shao Bao."
"Master Shao Bao has arrived just in time. I have just brewed some Biluochun for you."
"Your Excellency's complexion is getting better and better. Your cultivation has been successful."
Zhao Duan nodded with a smile, feeling sincerely that the rumors among the people were clearly distorted. Where did such a cold-blooded and bloody killer come from?
They are clearly a group of very enthusiastic and easy-going colleagues.
It's true, there are too many misunderstandings from the outside world.
"Has the sea offering 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 was wearing a light red round-necked robe, with his hair 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 being, and 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, wore a coat of the same color, had a large frame, and was a very serious and steady person.
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 most of the time he takes a nap in the armory, so he arranges two people to take care of him.
Logically speaking, Zhao Duan has the least "seniority" among these worshippers, and should be the "junior brother".
But being a royal servant is not a master's school after all, and Zhao Duan's identity as the young protector is nothing, but the hidden identity of "the emperor's husband" is indeed special.
The purpose of serving the royal family is to serve the emperor. 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, when Zhao Duan was in the Wugong Hall, except for Eunuch Hai, all the worshippers were respectful and humble to him, acting like servants.
"Your Majesty summoned him?" Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows, entered the inner hall, sat down first, invited the two "senior brothers" to sit with him, and then asked:
"Is it because of Qingshan's disciple's matter?"
The slick Song Jinxi nodded and bowed:
"Young Master's guess is correct. This morning, Qingshan's disciples went to 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 and ruthless worshiper, also nodded and said in a deep voice: "Eunuch had been to Qingshan in the past, and he is more familiar with this matter than Your Majesty, so he went there."
Zhao Duan picked up the Biluochun tea and squinted his eyes and said:
"I heard that according to tradition, when Qingshan disciples come here, they will stay in the imperial city for a while and learn from the royal family and discuss martial arts?"
Song Jinxi nodded, looking worried:
"It's called a discussion, but it's actually a contest. Although it has nothing to do with the contest between Your Majesty and Wu Xiankui, it is also 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 martial arts world.
When the two sides compete, especially in the royal territory, if one loses, the entire royal family will lose 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 suddenly saw "Big Iceman" walking into the courtyard. She was wearing a female official's robe, with plum blossom makeup on her forehead and a serious face.
Tang Jinzhong and Song Jinxi stood up again, quite surprised:
"Miss Mo...but what does His Majesty want?"
Mo Chou came alone, waved her hand and said calmly:
"I have something to say to Zhao Shaobao alone."
The two priests looked at each other, then cast inquiring eyes at Zhao Duan, and after the latter nodded, they bowed and left.
The other eunuchs serving in the courtyard were also driven out.
……
"Why did Mo Zhaorong come here suddenly? What do you have to say to me?"
Zhao Duan smiled and motioned for her to sit down, then grabbed a handful of dried fruits from the tray on the coffee table:
"Would you like to eat something?"
"..." Mochou rolled her eyes, sat down opposite him, frowned and said:
"People from Qingshan are coming, did you know?"
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 are coming here? I heard that Chai Keqiao is here again? And has he made progress?"
Mo Chou looked at Mr. Zhao with disdain, and said teasingly:
"Yes, then Chai Keqiao has already entered the worldly realm. How is it, is there any pressure?"
As expected, he was promoted... Yes, as Wu Xiankui's direct disciple, he was a genius on the same level as Gongshu Tianyuan and his friends... During the Buddhist-Taoist competition, he was already at the peak of the Divine Chapter...
Zhao Duan didn't care: "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:
"In addition to him, there are two other disciples coming from Qingshan on this trip. They are both outstanding disciples who have not left the mountain yet."
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 who feel that they can no longer make breakthroughs in the mountains, will choose to "go 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 is built together by generations of people who have come 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 in the world and making a living in different forces will surely return, and that will be a formidable force.
Correspondingly, for the disciples who are still practicing in the mountains, their every move is related to the Qingshan sect.
"There are two more?" Zhao Duan asked curiously, "Who are they?"
The information on Qingshan was difficult even for the imperial court to ascertain, so he didn't know much.
Mo Chou said: "One of them is called Qi Ye, he is a swordsman, and he is a top-grade divine master. He is a good friend of the young monk Tian Hai."
"……so?"
“So he’s interested in you.
Last year, you used the Taia sword to seriously injure the young monk Tianhai. This was not considered honorable 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. ” Mochou 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 beat Chai Keqiao at the Divine Chapter Realm at the time, and you even sent troops to suppress him. Ha, based on what you always say, isn't this a 'black history'?"
What dark history? That’s how I came here... 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!
After Mo Chou finished her complaints, she 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? Is he very strong?"
“It’s not weak, but it’s only a top-grade divine chapter and has not entered the world.” Mochou shook her head.
Zhao Duan was puzzled and said, "Then you wrote her name specifically... I'm sorry that I am so ignorant."
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 of the family."
Isn't it... the family of the in-laws who followed Jian Wen in the rebellion? Wasn't the whole family exterminated for treason? Only Concubine Xiao was left. Are they crazy? Where did this niece come from?
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 a long time ago. When the family was exterminated, he survived because he had already entered the Daqingshan sect and was protected by Wuxiankui. But 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 doesn'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. It seems that this group of people are specifically against 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 also used to the weird words that this guy occasionally said, and said faintly:
"Who made you make so many enemies?"
Zhao Duan held his forehead and sighed:
"A tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Blame me for being too outstanding... So you came all the way here to tell me all this. Do you want me to be careful? To prevent being assassinated?"
Mo Chou sneered: "This is the imperial palace. Even if they dare to do it, they can't do it."
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 are quite displeased with the people of Qingshan because of the assassination attempt by Yansuohu Duanshuiliu. With your revengeful nature, I'm afraid you have been thinking about punishing them for a long time, right?"
Zhao Duan did not deny it.
Mo Chou said bitterly:
"And these three people are hostile to you, so they certainly don't dare to go too far. But within the rules, it's not surprising that they conflict with you in the name of exchanging martial arts. I know that as long as you don't go too far, His Majesty won't stop you. Well... maybe you have already discussed it 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 directly."
Mo Chou sighed and said seriously:
"You also know the current situation in the world. The Eighth Prince is restless, and the court has just emerged from the haze and breathed a sigh of relief. If we tear our relationship with Qingshan now, it will be too ugly. Once Wu Xiankui is pushed to the side of the Eighth Prince..."
Zhao Duan interrupted her:
"I understand. Are you afraid that Qingshan will deliberately arrange three people who have grudges against me to find faults and provoke me to take action, and then use this as an excuse to interfere in the fight between Your Majesty and the Eighth Prince?
Or maybe you are just afraid that if things get out of hand, Qingshan will side with the Eighth King... so you want 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 reasonable for you to disagree. I just don't want Her Majesty to be too tired... If you don't want to, just pretend I've never been here."
Having said that, she slowly stood up and walked out without holding back 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 take the initiative to 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.
"Mr. Zhao, Mr. Mo, and Eunuch Hai sent a message."
The worshiper Song Jinxi came in and said loudly:
"It is said that His Majesty has finished meeting with Qingshan disciples. Now, it is our turn for the worshippers of the Martial Arts Hall to go and meet them."
Is this coming?
Zhao Duan and Mo Chou looked at each other, then picked up the teacup, drank it all, stood up and said with a smile:
"Let's go and meet these outsiders."
(End of this chapter)