Chapter 170: Blades Flashing and Swords Clashing! News of Li Xunhuan!
"Heh, heh. Your Highness, you're quite the sight today. Had I known you were this formidable, we wouldn't have been chased and beaten when we tried to steal that wine."
"Getting beaten for stealing wine is only right and proper. You even wanted to hit the owner—wasn't that both impolite and immoral? A person should at least uphold one of the two."
"Your Highness is absolutely right! Just for that, we should raise a glass."
"I'll drink as much as you like. But afterward, you're coming with me."
"Where to?"
"To have some fun! I've been trapped for over twenty years. Now that I've finally broken free, I need to make up for all that lost time."
"What lost time? You've had your fill of wine, women, and gambling all these years—you've practically turned indulgence into an art. I was dying of envy just watching."
Chu Yang tapped his chest.
"Freedom."
Li Gexiao fell silent for a moment, then gave a bitter smile. "Your Highness, I'm a cripple. No matter where I go, I'll only hold you back."
Chu Yang beamed. "You were, but not anymore..."
As Li Gexiao looked at him in surprise, Chu Yang pressed a finger to his Ren and Du meridians. Vast True Essence surged forth, reopening his Heavenly Gate—but the process was excruciating.
His meridians were riddled with fine cracks, so the True Essence felt like it was tearing open all his old wounds again.
Li Gexiao let out muffled grunts, his face turning ghostly pale as beads of sweat the size of beans streamed down his temples.
Chu Yang then slipped two Blood Bodhi fruits into his mouth and used pure life energy to repair the meridians. With both working together, Li Gexiao's hidden injuries and old ailments were being rapidly healed.
"Your Highness is healing Gexiao?"
"This mustn't be! His meridians are like shattered porcelain—they can't withstand any disturbance. Lord Zheng already consulted the finest physicians, and none could cure him..."
Zuo Qianhu grew agitated and was about to rush forward, but Old Guo held him back.
Old Guo shook his head. "Stay calm. His Highness knows what he's doing."
Someone who managed to lie low under the emperor's nose for years was no reckless fool.
Before long, Li Gexiao's complexion began to regain color. His emaciated frame also started to resemble the strong figure he once was.
When he opened his eyes again, his entire presence was like an unsheathed blade—sharp and radiant. The despair in his gaze was gone.
"Li Gexiao is eternally grateful to Your Highness and is willing to follow you unto death!"
Li Gexiao flipped over and knelt, ready to kowtow—but found that he couldn't.
A gentle breeze propped his forehead up.
"Your Highness?"
Chu Yang pulled him to his feet, dusted him off, and said with a smile, "We met in hardship. That makes us friends—kindred spirits, even. No need for all that ceremony."
"Now that you're healed, you'll need to rebuild your True Essence from scratch. Those Blood Bodhi fruits won't be enough to fill that void."
"Some things can't be rushed. We need to plan carefully…"
Li Gexiao understood what Chu Yang meant—he wanted him to calm down and think through how to take revenge for Jing Ruyi.
Given their bond, if Li Gexiao asked, Chu Yang could fly straight to the capital and cut down Yan Song in an instant. But to Li Gexiao, how could he entrust such a deep grudge to someone else?
If he couldn't personally behead that old dog Yan Song, he would never rest in peace.
Old Guo watched the entire process of Chu Yang winning over Li Gexiao, and his eyelids twitched violently. A scene of the virtuous prince rising in rebellion flashed through his mind.
He couldn't help but feel his scalp go numb.
Zuo Qianhu didn't think that far ahead. He simply burst into laughter and gave Li Gexiao a big bear hug, genuinely happy for his good brother.
Li Gexiao patted him on the shoulder. "I'll have to trouble you to inform my master."
Zuo Qianhu nodded. "Lord Zheng will be glad to hear it. Or better yet, why don't you tell him yourself?"
Li Gexiao fell silent for a moment, then said, "Zuo big brother, times have changed. I can't return to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. From this day on, my life belongs to His Highness."
Zuo Qianhu's smile faded, leaving only a long, drawn-out sigh.
Li Gexiao was right. As long as that old dog Yan Song remained, he couldn't go back to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Otherwise, he'd bring endless trouble to Zheng Dongliu—even draw the emperor's ire.
The Guard's authority came entirely from imperial trust. Once that trust was gone, a commander's death was only a matter of time.
"Met an old friend today, beat up a couple of dogs—mood's not bad. If you're drinking, I'm buying. If not, clear out."
Chu Yang stretched lazily and swaggered into the Tongfu Inn. He didn't forget to shout over his shoulder, "Don't forget to clean up the mess before you go."
Old Guo nodded expressionlessly and led Zuo Qianhu to the Qixia Town constabulary.
The most urgent task now was to lock down all news about Chu Yang.
For the sake of peace in the Ming Dynasty, the virtuous prince had to remain the same virtuous prince. What the emperor thought was a separate matter.
To keep the news contained in Qixia Town, they'd first have to notify Magistrate Lou, then bring in a team of Embroidered Guards to handle it. This was their specialty.
A few threats to merchants and civilians, a few Embroidered Spring Blades at their necks, and they'd forget the whole thing by tomorrow—perhaps even for life.
Meanwhile, Li Gexiao went upstairs and took a bath. When he emerged, it was as if he'd been reborn. With his sword brows, starry eyes, and striking features, the years of hardship had only added a layer of maturity that left Tong Xiangyu and Guo Furong swooning.
Whether out of admiration or a desire to curry favor with this prince, the usually stingy Tong innkeeper had Li Dazui prepare a lavish spread of dishes. The two of them couldn't even finish half.
Eventually, everyone gathered around the same table, drinking and making merry. With some liquid courage, they gradually warmed up to Chu Yang.
Night fell.
Cao Shaoqin returned to the capital cradling his severed arm, bringing terrible news to the eagerly waiting Cao Zhengchun.
News that could lead to his family's ruin.
The emperor had him monitor the virtuous prince for years—yet the man had trained into a peerless expert right under his nose.
Now what was he supposed to report?
Should he offer up his own head?
He'd just sworn to His Majesty not long ago that the prince had no talent for martial arts.
The more he thought about it, the darker his vision grew. A sense of impending doom settled over him—until Cao Shaoqin spoke.
"Uncle, perhaps we can shift the blame onto Guo Bujing to divert His Majesty's attention."
"Guo Bujing is the prince's master. There's no way he didn't know the truth. I believe he deliberately helped cover it up."
"With Guo Bujing's help, it makes sense that the Eastern Depot was kept in the dark. Doesn't that sound reasonable?"
"Besides, the prince left the capital this time because Guo Furong egged him on…"
At that, Cao Zhengchun's eyes lit up. He felt as though he'd come back to life.
"Good! We'll go with your plan—come with me to the palace. We must get there before Yu Huatian!"
No matter how fast they rushed, they were still a step too late. By the time Cao Zhengchun entered the palace, Yu Huatian was already in the imperial study. Even Wei Zhongxian had beaten him there.
Both men wore blank expressions, but there was mockery in their eyes.
The emperor was fiddling with some trinkets gifted by a vassal state, completely ignoring Cao Zhengchun.
Seeing this, Cao Zhengchun panicked. He cursed the two bastards in his heart, then dropped to his knees without hesitation, bawling his eyes out.
"Your Majesty, please grant your servant justice!"
His forehead hit the floor with loud thunks, tears and snot flowing freely—heart-wrenching to hear and pitiful to see.
Even Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian were momentarily stunned, not to mention the emperor himself.
"Oh? Who wronged my Chief Eunuch so grievously?"
The emperor's icy demeanor faded, replaced by curiosity.
"Chief Constable Guo Bujing of the Six Gates! He colluded with the prince to deceive Your Majesty and the Eastern Depot, secretly training him into a martial arts master!"
"Your Majesty, Guo Bujing must be punished!"
Following the script he'd worked out with Cao Shaoqin, Cao Zhengchun began laying all the blame on Guo Bujing. Whether the emperor bought it or not, his priority was saving his own skin.
Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian exchanged glances, both with a sneer.
That damn old Cao—he really knew how to throw someone under the bus.
Everyone in the empire knew Guo Bujing was a paragon of chivalry. If anyone was above suspicion, it was him.
But the prince was a thorn in the emperor's side. Given his suspicious and paranoid nature, even if he didn't believe Cao Zhengchun, the seed of doubt would be planted.
"You're saying the Eastern Depot was kept in the dark because Minister Guo deliberately misled you?"
The emperor suddenly stood up and hurled the trinket at Cao Zhengchun's head. Cao didn't dare use his inner energy to block it and let himself be struck until blood ran down his face.
The emperor roared in fury, "You wretched dog! How dare you slander a loyal subject! Who in the realm doesn't know of Minister Guo's unwavering devotion? He'd never commit treason! And yet you spew lies to save your own skin!"
Cao Zhengchun ignored the gash on his head and kept kowtowing, sobbing, "Your Majesty, please judge fairly! If not for Guo Bujing's help, how could the prince hide his cultivation under Your Majesty's nose for so long?"
"Even if he wasn't personally teaching the prince, with his level of martial prowess, how could he not notice anything strange? He was clearly pretending not to see!"
The emperor turned to Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian.
Wei Zhongxian sneered inwardly and was just about to add insult to injury when Yu Huatian tugged at his clothes from behind. Startled, Wei Zhongxian swallowed the words he had nearly blurted out.
Then he heard Yu Huatian speak.
"Your Majesty, this servant believes that Director Cao's words may not be entirely baseless. Lord Guo certainly bears no treasonous intent, but his soft-hearted nature is well known and could easily be exploited by cunning villains."
Sensing the underlying meaning of Yu Huatian's words, the emperor fell silent, one hand gripping the edge of the table tightly.
Wei Zhongxian gave Yu Huatian a dissatisfied look, puzzled as to why he would help Cao Zhengchun at such a critical moment when it was the perfect time to stomp him down.
Cao Zhengchun was equally baffled and even stole a glance at Yu Huatian.
Neither of them realized that from Yu Huatian's perspective, stepping on Cao Zhengchun would indeed be satisfying, but doing so could allow the Embroidered Uniform Guard to rise again—and Zheng Dongliu was no easy opponent.
If not for that incident involving Li Gexiao back then, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's power would have rivaled that of the Western Depot.
Guo Bujing and Zheng Dongliu were close in private, often working together on cases between the Six Gates and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. If Guo Bujing were to be moved, Zheng Dongliu would inevitably be affected as well.
In that case, the Western Depot's standing would be even more secure—far more valuable than merely humiliating Cao Zhengchun.
The emperor took a deep breath and asked solemnly, "Just how skilled is this treasonous villain in martial arts?"
Cao Zhengchun recalled Cao Shaoqin's description and cautiously replied, "Extremely skilled. He severed one of Cao Shaoqin's arms with just a single move."
The emperor's eyebrows rose. "More skilled than you, Director Cao? Could you do the same to Cao Shaoqin?"
"I could, but…" Cao Zhengchun was about to give a truthful explanation when Yu Huatian forcefully interrupted him.
"Your Majesty, rest assured—even if the Prince of Virtue's martial arts are formidable, it's impossible for him to infiltrate the inner palace, let alone harm Your Majesty." Yu Huatian cupped his fists and declared with unwavering confidence, "Though I am unworthy, even without Director Cao's assistance, I can guarantee Your Majesty's safety!"
The emperor smiled with satisfaction and nodded repeatedly. "A pillar of my reign, indeed—far better than that bootlicking scoundrel who only knows how to inflate others' prestige!"
In just a few short sentences, Cao Zhengchun was so humiliated he nearly had a heart attack. He hastily exclaimed, "This servant deserves death! Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant will defend you to the death!"
The emperor let out a cold snort.
"Even without Director Cao's devotion, the dragon veins of the Ming Dynasty protect the throne. No ordinary person could hope to harm His Majesty. Those treacherous rebels haven't a chance."
Wei Zhongxian grinned as he slyly stabbed Cao Zhengchun again.
Cao Zhengchun ground his teeth in fury. That wretched man had seized this rare opportunity to utterly ruin him—he swore to pay it back in full one day!
Whether it was because the emperor enjoyed watching his subordinates bicker or because Wei Zhongxian's mention of the dragon veins gave him a renewed sense of security, his expression quickly softened, even showing a hint of a smile.
The emperor's smile was a weight off Cao Zhengchun's chest. At least the crisis had passed—his life was no longer in danger.
Cao Zhengchun immediately said, "As long as Your Majesty gives the order, the Eastern Depot will begin hunting down the treasonous Prince of Virtue at once. I guarantee Your Majesty will sleep soundly thereafter."
Yu Huatian smirked, his gaze toward Cao Zhengchun now as disdainful as the one Cao Zhengchun had previously cast at Wei Zhongxian.
The emperor said mildly, "Oh? Then tell me, Director Cao—what crime has the Prince of Virtue committed that warrants a manhunt by the Eastern Depot?"
"This…" Cao Zhengchun was momentarily at a loss for words and immediately realized he had misspoken.
"In the past, I allowed the Prince of Virtue to train in martial arts with Lord Guo so that the world would not see me as a petty and ungrateful sovereign. And now, just because his martial skills have improved, I'm to send men after him? What would that make me look like?"
The emperor's gaze grew colder as he looked more and more displeased with Cao Zhengchun.
Cao Zhengchun broke into a cold sweat, his palms and back soaked. He had just stepped back from the cliff's edge, only to fall into a pit again.
"Your Majesty, the fact that the Prince of Virtue revealed his strength immediately after leaving the capital shows he lacks restraint. He's bound to slip up eventually. Why not entrust this servant with the task of monitoring him?"
"This servant won't be as easily deceived as Director Cao."
Yu Huatian said with a confident smile.
The emperor pondered for a moment, then nodded. He turned to Cao Zhengchun and said coldly, "You dog of a eunuch, watch and learn how the Western Depot handles affairs. Don't make Me disappointed a second time!"
Cao Zhengchun hurriedly assented.
Just as the three thought the matter had been settled, the emperor's voice suddenly rang out again.
"The Six Gates are busy with affairs, and Lord Guo is already stretched thin. For the sake of his health, as of today, he is relieved of his position as Drill Instructor of the Imperial Guards."
All three were stunned.
Guo Bujing had ultimately become a thorn in the emperor's side.
The title of Chief Constable of the Six Gates actually didn't hold as much weight as Drill Instructor of the Imperial Guards.
Though the Six Gates were a vast organization, they still fell under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice. In contrast, the Drill Instructor not only trained the imperial guards but also commanded their defense of the capital, wielding more authority than even the commander of the guard.
Put bluntly, the imperial guards were the emperor's personal security force—his most vital military asset.
A nonpartisan like Guo Bujing had been the ideal person for that role, combining skill, integrity, and the emperor's trust.
It was only after gaining that title that Guo Bujing could be considered on par with the Two Marquises.
But now, thanks to the interference of Cao Zhengchun and the others, a seed of doubt had been planted in the emperor's mind. Though still just a hint, it was enough for him to consider replacing Guo.
The position of Drill Instructor was so important that even Yu Huatian and Cao Zhengchun couldn't help but reveal greedy expressions.
But they both knew the emperor would never appoint either of them.
In a previous reign, powerful eunuchs had seized control of the imperial guards, effectively becoming emperors in all but name. Though short-lived due to their physical limitations, their end had been tragic.
The current balance of the Two Bureaus and One Guard was stable, and the same went for the Two Marquises and One House. The emperor would not disrupt that balance.
"For the post of Drill Instructor, do you have any recommendations?"
"Or perhaps… you'd like to nominate yourselves?"
The emperor looked at the three with a sly smile.
Understanding the emperor's true intentions, Cao Zhengchun cursed silently, then forced a flattering smile. "This humble servant is nowhere near qualified for such a role. Your Majesty jests."
The emperor snorted. "At least you know your limits."
Yu Huatian bowed and said, "Both Marquises are certainly capable, but Dragon Guard Manor and the Divine Constabulary are already struggling to contain the demonic threat. Iron-Guts Marquis and Zhuge Marquis are too occupied. Another candidate must be found."
The emperor sighed. "I had indeed considered appointing my Royal Uncle, but as you said, his duties are too heavy to allow for any distractions. We'll need someone else."
Pah!
You'd trust Zhu Tiedan with the imperial guards?
You'd never sleep peacefully again!
Cao Zhengchun sneered inwardly. If the Prince of Virtue was the emperor's deepest thorn, Iron-Guts Marquis was definitely the second.
Wei Zhongxian's eyes darted about as if he'd come up with a brilliant idea. Bowing, he said with a smile, "Your Majesty, this humble servant actually has someone in mind."
The emperor looked surprised. "Oh? Even the Two Bureaus are stumped, yet you have a solution, old thing?"
Wei Zhongxian chuckled. "The two directors have focused too much on court affairs—they can't see the forest for the trees…"
The emperor seemed to catch his drift, tapping his fingers and warning, "The Drill Instructor is no ordinary role. You can't just toss in any old martial artist. What are you thinking, you mangy dog?!"
Wei Zhongxian hunched over and quickly nodded along. "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The one I have in mind is no common vagabond. Though he's been away from court for years, the late emperor once praised his talents…"
Yu Huatian frowned. "If you have someone in mind, Wei Gonggong, just say so."
The emperor impatiently waved a hand. "Stop beating around the bush. You're not usually this chatty."
Wei Zhongxian shot Yu Huatian a resentful look. He'd finally found a chance to shine, only for it to be interrupted.
"Your Majesty, the person this servant recommends is none other than Li the Top Scholar, who retired from court ten years ago!"
The emperor's eyes lit up. "You mean the unfailing Little Li Flying Dagger?"
Wei Zhongxian grinned ear to ear. "Your Majesty knows of Li the Top Scholar's reputation in the martial world?"
The emperor sighed. "How could I not? It's all I hear from the princesses and noble ladies. That Li Xunhuan fellow is on their lips day and night. Can't deny he has a certain charm with the ladies."
"But is his martial prowess truly enough for such a post?"
Yu Huatian considered for a moment. "Years ago, this servant once saw Li the Top Scholar in action. His Little Li Flying Dagger is no idle boast—his skill borders on the divine, far beyond the realm of ordinary martial arts."
"Even you say so? Then he must be exceptional indeed…" The emperor closed his eyes, lost in thought. The imperial study fell into silence.
In truth, whether it was Cao Zhengchun kneeling on the floor or Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian standing nearby, they all understood the emperor's silence as tacit approval.
A man who had once earned the title of Tanhua and served as an official would naturally inspire more trust than some unknown, reckless wanderer from the martial world. More importantly, while Li Xunhuan's reputation in the martial world couldn't compare to that of Old Guo, he was still far from a nameless figure.
Under the same conditions, there was no second person more suitable.
The emperor opened his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Then summon Li Xunhuan to the capital first!"
Cao Zhengchun immediately said, "Your Majesty, Li Xunhuan has been in seclusion for many years. Ordinary people won't be able to find him. Perhaps the Eastern Depot should—"
Before he could finish, he was rudely interrupted by Yu Huatian. "Better to trouble Dragon Guard Manor. Locating people and gathering intelligence is their specialty."
Cao Zhengchun's face twisted with rage, but he dared not lash out in front of the emperor.
The emperor nodded. "Then I'll trouble you to make a trip to Dragon Guard Manor and inform the Iron-Guts Divine Marquis. As for the matter of the Virtous Prince, keep it confidential for now."
"Your servant obeys." Yu Huatian knelt and kowtowed, then rose and left the imperial study with swift, decisive movements.
Watching his departing figure, the emperor showed a satisfied smile. He then looked down at Cao Zhengchun with displeasure and said coldly, "Why are you still here? Must I personally ask you to leave?"
"Wretched dog!"
Cao Zhengchun kowtowed a few more times with loud bangs, tears streaming down his face as he crawled out.
Seeing this pitiful scene, Wei Zhongxian—his head still bowed—couldn't help but reveal a smug smile.
Seething with pent-up rage, Cao Zhengchun had barely stepped out of the palace gates before slapping the approaching Cao Shaoqin hard across the face.
"Uncle? Did His Majesty not believe you?" Cao Shaoqin asked nervously.
"You think His Majesty is a fool? That a few lines could push all the blame onto that bastard Guo?" Cao Zhengchun gave him a cold glance. "Fortunately, His Majesty grew suspicious. Otherwise, today would've been your uncle's memorial day."
Cao Shaoqin let out a sigh of relief upon hearing that, but resentment immediately flared in his heart. The plan he devised had clearly worked, yet that old dog still struck him—clearly taking out his humiliation from the imperial study on him!
Damn that old dog!
One day, I'll butcher you with my own hands!
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