Simulation becomes reality, have I ever looked down upon the eternity?

Chapter 268 Heavenly Master of the Sui Dynasty, the realm of Yangshen!
The gate of Xie Mansion stands majestically.

A plaque with the words "Dingyuan Marquis Mansion" hangs high above it.

Although the title of Marquis Xie Ling had been stripped by the court, the plaque had never been taken down.

Cross Xida Road behind Dongshi and walk to Changning Street behind Quhou.

The road was wide enough for three carriages to run side by side, and the view outside Xie's house was even more open.

In addition to Ankang Street being the place where royal relatives lived, and Que Street being famous because of the academy, this place could be regarded as the most honorable place in Bianjing, and many dignitaries in the court and scholars in the academy chose to live here.

today!

There was a solemn atmosphere inside and outside the Xie Mansion. The servants were all careful with their words and actions. The ladies had already instructed them to keep their eyes and ears open in all directions.

It was because the gate of Dingyuan Marquis’ Mansion was wide open.

On weekdays, the masters mostly entered and exited from the east and west corner gates.

The Xie family is a prominent family. When their doors are open, if it is not for weddings or funerals, then it is for dignitaries and officials visiting.

A distinguished guest will arrive today, and the guards outside the mansion have already been waiting for him.

Until noon!

Mrs. Yuan's steward Wu was waiting at the door, and saw the carriage and sedan chair slowly stop.

Manager Wu only took a glance and recognized that it was someone from the Li family who came.

"Hurry up and report to the old lady and the lady that the Li family is here."

Manager Wu came forward enthusiastically.

Not long after, another carriage came rumbling, and several people walked down slowly.

"The Zhao family's guests have also arrived!"

Manager Wu stepped forward again and ordered his servant to go and report.

It was two quarters after noon.

Comparing with the list made by my wife, the guests have basically arrived and everything is going smoothly without any complications.

Manager Wu skillfully straightened his clothes and prepared to enter the garden.

"We still need to see off the guests today, so please be careful and don't make any mistakes. You won't be able to bear the blame from the ladies."

"You will go and collect your rewards later. The rewards are sufficient. Madam and the ladies have never treated you unfairly. You should know that today's matter is important and nothing can go wrong."

The guards and servants were delighted and agreed immediately.

The old butler nodded, then turned around and added.

"And you guys, remember not to go looking for those prostitutes in the alleys just because you have enough money. Don't be fooled by the pretext of having a family and having children. Don't take it seriously. Don't think that you have determined your nature just because you call me your good husband in bed."

"They have been through a lot, and their habits are hard to change. They are used to eating free food and meat, and it is difficult for them to start a family. It is easy to change the country, but it is difficult to change one's nature."

"Mr. Wu, don't worry!"

The guards were strong and full of vigor, and they looked around without paying any attention.

"I have worked hard and diligently in the Xie Mansion. If the Madam takes a liking to me and gives me a girl to work in the mansion and knows me well, it would be a great blessing."

The old butler shook his head and sighed, saying no more. If you don't listen to good advice, you will only regret it after suffering the loss.

at this time!

Two people walked slowly to the door, accompanied by a strong black donkey.

Not seeing the carriage, Manager Wu couldn't help but take another look. His expression suddenly changed and his cloudy eyes lit up.

"The second master has returned home!"

"Go to Grand View Garden immediately and report that Master Mingshan has returned!"

Hearing this, everyone looked over.

Sure enough, at the end of the road, a middle-aged man walked towards me. He had a thin figure, wore a long gown and simple cloth shoes.

There are strands of white hair among his black hair, and his face still has the handsomeness of his past, but now it has become a bit more "aged", and his expression is dull, with no luster in his eyes.

"Really, Second Master? Isn't he coming back at the end of the year?"

"Hurry up and beat the gongs and drums, and go in to announce the good news!"

No one dared to be negligent in the slightest.

Although Manager Wu was Madam Yuan's confidant, he was also well aware of the importance of the Second Master in the Xie Mansion.

He also noticed that there was a woman in white next to the second master.

Is Manager Wu suspicious?
The woman was tall, wearing a white veil hat that concealed her face, and a plain white loose robe that completely wrapped up her body.

It is difficult to get a glimpse of his appearance, and it is also difficult to tell whether he is fat or thin.

The woman held the reins and led the docile black donkey. The two seemed incompatible, yet inexplicably harmonious.

Taoist nun?

Isn't the second master in seclusion in Qingliang Temple? That temple is full of monks.

How come there is another Kun Taoist?

In large families, when masters brought back women, it was mostly to take concubines. Some would bring back children, and even worse, some would bring back their sisters.

This is not surprising!
Manager Wu didn't dare to change his expression in the slightest. He didn't dare to speculate on the thoughts of such an important figure.

Under Confucian ethics, the lives and deaths of all the servants in the Xie Mansion depend on the thoughts of the master of the house. The slightest disrespect, or a word from the mistress or the master, is enough to plunge them into the abyss.

"Everyone, please be more careful. The Second Master has a gentle temperament. Please don't offend the distinguished guest."

After Manager Wu whispered instructions to everyone, he hurried forward.

Xie Hong's faint voice came.

"Back off, no one is needed."

Manager Wu nodded his head in agreement, and the servants stood respectfully on both sides.

Until the footsteps fade away!
Manager Wu dared to look up and saw two people and a donkey stopped at Xie Fu's door.

Xie Hong stared at the plaque "Dingyuan Marquis Mansion" at the entrance of Xie Mansion and sighed slightly.

Under the bamboo hat, the woman's voice was as clear as an oriole, like a young lady who had just come of age.

"I never thought that Mr. Xie would be so disappointed with the Xie Mansion."

"The houses of the nine major families in Bianjing are more majestic than the imperial palace, which is indeed different from the imperial power of the Sui Dynasty."

Xie Hong just shook his head slightly and stepped over the threshold.

"The nine major surnames originally sucked blood from the foundation of Da Qi. Now they seem to be flourishing, but if there is a big fire, and the bones are piled up like a mountain, who can remember those surnames? In the end, they will all turn into dust."

"Struggling for power and gain is like birds flying back to the forest after all the food has been eaten. In the end, only a vast expanse of white earth remains. How clean!"

What’s strange is that the two of them were talking without the servants next to them noticing anything.

The two continued to walk inside. A servant came forward and wanted to lead the donkey, but the woman politely declined.

The black donkey seemed to sense something as well. Its originally docile appearance became anxious, and it kept humming and groaning.

The woman gently pulled the reins, and the black donkey gradually calmed down.

"Mr. Xie, do you hate this Xie Mansion more or the academy more?"

"He has a wife and children, but he chooses to practice in seclusion in Qingliang Temple. He still has an 80-year-old mother at home. In Confucianism, is this considered unfilial?"

Xie Hong said helplessly with a gloomy face: "Tianshi, Confucianists are not pedantic."

The woman chuckled: "Then I still think that Mr. Xie hates the academy more."

"After all, you haven't set foot in the academy since you went to Qingliang Temple. Is it because the second master has a bad character, or is it because the third master is arrogant?"

Xie Hong did not comment. This Taoist master of the Sui Dynasty was a talkative person.

"However, Mr. Xie, aren't you afraid that bringing me, the Great Sui Tianshi, to the Xie family will bring disaster to the Xie family?"

"Or do you intend to cause trouble for your brother Xie Ling?" The voice under the bamboo hat carried a hint of mystery.

Xie Hong smiled bitterly and said, "Shouldn't the Heavenly Master be worried that once the truth is revealed, you will be alone and it will be difficult for you to leave Bianjing?"

The black donkey grunted and seemed to be protesting.

The female voice continued:
"Why not? I have always wanted to see the sword of the Second Master that traverses the world, how romantic and free and easy the Third Master is, and how Su Jing is the most proud of the world."

"There are green mountains everywhere in life. When you die, you die. When you are buried, you are buried. For my Taoists, even if my generation of Heavenly Master disappears, there will be the head of the Three True Sect or the Baozhen Sect to take over my position."

The woman changed the subject and her tone became meaningful: "This is very different from your Confucianism. The Master has gone to seek immortality, and no one can succeed him."

"Of course, having said that, if the old master were still alive, I would not set foot in the entire Da Qi, let alone Bian Jing."

The black donkey snorted, as if agreeing.

Upon hearing this, Xie Hong's expression became even gloomier.

The Taoist power in the Sui Dynasty was huge and was divided into two sects.

Although they are two sects, they are actually of the same lineage, the Northern Three True Sect and the Baozhen Sect which split from the Three True Sect.

The Three True Sect advocates the dual cultivation of body and soul, while the Baozhen Sect advocates the use of the spirit and soul to control the instrument for cultivation.

The woman in front of him was the Heavenly Master respected by both lineages, her name was Lu Hua!

The Three True Sects were the state religion of the State of Yan that had been passed down from the Warring States Period.

Lu Chen is respected as the first Heavenly Master, and Lu Yu is the incarnation of Zhenwu.

Every generation of Heavenly Master has the surname “Lu”!
The power that has been passed down for thousands of years is extremely great, and the founding of the Sui Dynasty was largely due to the Three True Sect.

At a young age, she has already entered the realm of Xuandan Martial God in martial arts, and has even ignited the divine fire in the cultivation of her soul, entering the more advanced "Ziweiyuan Realm".

He is truly a man of natural talent.

Lu Hua did not intend to give up and continued:

"As the old saying goes, two monks carry water to drink, but three monks have no water to drink. What about four monks, or four gentlemen?"

"Mr. Xie, do you think we can still have water to drink like this? I remember the dispute between Mr. San and Su Jing almost caused the entire academy to fall apart."

"It seems like everyone was waiting for your attitude, but you chose to give up in the end!"

"Some people say that you failed the Second Master's cultivation. The Third Master even regarded you as a close friend, but you said nothing. As a result, the First Master of the Academy left for the Sui Dynasty in anger, the Fourth Master Su Jing joined the court, the Third Master became disheartened, and the Second Master was bedridden."

"The root of all this is you, Xie Hong!"

A hint of anger finally appeared on Xie Hong's face, but then he calmed down again.

Lu Hua smiled and said, "This is just like the Third Master of the Xie family who wrote 'Books lend me righteousness, and heaven and earth return me Spring and Autumn'."

Xie Hong just shook his head silently.

The two of them walked into the central hall. In front of the floating shadow wall, servants and young masters and ladies all bowed.

Everyone paid special attention to Lu Hua, the woman in Taoist robes, and her black donkey.

In some places where donkeys are not allowed to enter, the black donkey actually jumped up, jumped lightly over the eaves, and landed steadily.

A servant saw this and was horrified.

The black donkey walked with a "haughty" look.

Lu Hua looked around at the luxury of the Xie family and picked a leaf from the side of the road.

She stretched out her slender hands from under her wide Taoist robe, with a faint glow on them.

The atmosphere of the Xie Mansion seemed to be shrouded in fine black smoke. The leaves gradually burned in her hands and eventually turned into black, leaving only the roots in her hands.

Lu Hua looked at the leaves in his hand and smiled:

"No wonder Mr. Xie doesn't like the Xie family. The resentment here is worse than rotten meat. Even the smell I created in the thieves' den in the mountains was not as dark as this."

The black donkey also cooperated by snorting loudly, and sparks actually came out of its mouth and nose.

Seeing this, Lu Hua kicked the black donkey hard.

The black donkey was not annoyed. Instead, an expression of "enjoyment" appeared on its face.

Lu Hua cursed: "Stupid!"

Xie Hong naturally knew that this was a method of observing qi from the Sanzhen Sect, which could be used to determine the resentment in a place and the fate of people who died unjustly.

"It's hard to imagine that the Xie family actually raised someone like Mr. Xie who has a pure heart. Can lotus really grow in mud?"

"You can know the world by looking at one family. If the Xie family is like this, then there is no need to look at the other nine families. No wonder there were frequent uprisings in the thirteen prefectures, and the tragic situation of cannibalism in Jiannan Road. If the master knew that the Great Qi, the ox cart he once drove, had already become terminally ill after his absence for only a few hundred years, he would definitely be heartbroken."

"I don't know if there are immortals in this world. I thought you were above the mundane world and were an immortal living in the human world. But you are just like the emperors in the human world, seeking the way to immortality."

Lu Hua said in a deep voice: "But Master, after all, is not like the people in this world."

The flames started up again on the charred leaves, more fiercely than before.

"what!"

"I never thought that the Xie family would have such a strong incense for three generations."

Lu Hua waved his hand, and the black ashes flew away with the wind. Although this technique was powerful, it also consumed a lot of spiritual energy, and it was a glimpse into the secrets of heaven, which was detrimental to the harmony of people.

Looking at the ashes flying, Lu Hua whispered: "May the blessings of the Lord be with you!"

Continuing forward, they came to the backyard of Xie's mansion. The servants naturally did not dare to stop Xie Hong, and several of the old men knelt for a long time.

At this time, Lu Hua realized that there were several unusual auras approaching the Xie Mansion, including warriors in the Snow Mountain Realm and soul cultivators in the Wandering Divine Realm.

This is the foundation of a big family.

They retreated quietly after sensing Xie Hong's presence.

The two men and the donkey continued on their way, and no one could hear their conversation.

Lu Hua sighed, "I am the Heavenly Master of the Great Sui Dynasty, but I actually entered the Xie family like this. If the world knew, I wonder what they would think. Did the Heavenly Master betray the Great Sui Dynasty, or did your Xie family secretly defect to the Great Sui Dynasty?"

Xie Hong remained silent.

"It should be fine. I, Lu Hua, have no other skills, but I am the best at escaping. And most importantly..."

The woman under the bamboo hat spoke with a carefree tone:
“Whether it is the three masters in the academy, Su Jing, or even the great Sui Dynasty’s state teacher, I’m afraid they would not have thought that Mr. Xie, who had been living in seclusion in Qingliang Temple and seemed disheartened, had quietly broken through the Ziweiyuan realm and reached the Yangshen realm.”

Having said that, a gleam of light flashed in Xie Hong's lifeless eyes.

Outside the Grand View Garden, Xie Hong and Xie Chun met Mrs. Zhao and their third son Xie Renfeng.

"master!"

"Father."

Xie Renfeng kept his head down the whole time.

Mrs. Zhao's face was originally full of joy, but when she saw the woman wearing a conical hat and a wide Taoist robe, a hint of unfriendly look appeared in her eyes.

The black donkey snorted loudly.

Xie Hong nodded slightly, seemingly not caring, and said lightly:
"Master, who is this?" asked Mrs. Zhao.

"A friend."

Xie Hua stood aside and touched the black donkey with a natural expression.

~

[You walked through the West Garden, which is the laundry room and servants' quarters.]

[Without a servant following you, you go to the East Courtyard alone. ]

[You rarely leave the hospital, so few people recognize you as the young master of the Xie family.]

[Some maidservants with sharp eyes were surprised to see such a handsome young man in the courtyard and could not help but take a few more glances at him.]

【All the way to the Grand View Garden! 】

(End of this chapter)