She is devoted to cultivating immortality
Chapter 89: Empress Huai Ling, the Emperor asks
Chapter 89: Empress Huai Ling, the Emperor asks
"Just two bowls of tofu pudding, one sweet and one salty, and two pieces of the most ordinary tofu, which should be tender."
"Okay, wait a minute!"
The two of them sat down on a bench by the roadside. Emperor Qian looked around and saw hawking sounds everywhere, people coming and going, and the aroma of food wafting everywhere.
Along the way, he was reminiscing about the past, talking about how things were back then, but he had never experienced such a bustling city life back then.
So it’s very fresh.
The eight guards had an even greater headache. His Majesty was actually going to dine in such a mixed place, and they couldn't get too close. They could only order some food and sit at a nearby stall.
If there is any situation, we will arrive immediately.
"Sir, your tofu pudding."
The stall owners served the food one after another.
Emperor Qian took a bite and found it really smooth and refreshing. His eyes immediately brightened and he finished the tofu pudding in the bowl in just a few bites.
Just as the stall owner said, this kind of food is indeed very suitable for the elderly with bad teeth.
After the two of them had dinner, he touched his stomach and walked to the stall owner to pay the bill.
Of course, it was Quan Shaoze who paid the bill, and he asked some questions with a smile.
"You just said that this tofu pudding is made from Madam Xie's new recipe?"
The stall owner subconsciously wanted to say yes, but businessmen are all very discerning. When he was about to lie, he saw the majesty in Emperor Qian's eyes, and changed his mind when the words came to his lips.
"Oh, how could that be possible? Madam Xie doesn't have the time. She just mentioned it to Luo Laoqi, saying that there are several ways to make tofu. Everyone studied it together and found something. So they started selling it under the banner of Madam Xie. But it's not nonsense. If it wasn't for Madam Xie's suggestion, no one would have thought of it."
Emperor Qian nodded.
"I see. I heard that Madam Xie is a deity-like figure?"
The stall owner smiled, with respect in his eyes.
"Empress Xie is a deity. The emperor of Fengdu doesn't care about us common people. Only Empress Xie can find a way out for us..."
Quan Shaoze shuddered and spoke quickly.
"Here's the money, keep it, and be careful with your words!"
Emperor Qian waved his hand and said it was okay, but there was still a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
Quan Shaoze patted his chest in relief. If it were in the past, all the people on this street would have been killed by Emperor Qian just because of this sentence.
After finishing the meal, Emperor Qian refused to ride in the carriage.
Just walk forward, of course, towards Xie's house.
When he reached the entrance of the alley, he looked surprised.
"This Empress Xie is a living deity. Logically, her house should be crowded with people. Why is it so deserted?"
Quan Shaoze shook his head, indicating that he didn't know.
Emperor Qian didn't say much, and no one knew what mood he was in. He walked to the door of Xie's house step by step.
"Is this where the immortals live?"
Quan Shaoze nodded affirmatively.
Emperor Qian took a deep breath, and complex emotions such as anticipation, fear, awe, and joy flashed in his eyes.
He stretched out his hand and tried to push the door, but when he was about to touch it, he suddenly pulled it back.
"You do it."
Quan Shaoze stepped forward and did not open the door rashly, but shouted.
"Thank you, empress!"
No response.
After thinking for a while, he said again.
"Thank you, Madam. Quan and my master are here to see you."
Still no movement.
Quan Shaoze swallowed, not knowing what to say.
"The immortal refuses to see me?"
Even though Emperor Qian knew that this would most likely be the result, when the time came, he still felt a strong sense of loss.
"The door is not locked, just push it open and let me come."
At this time, a martial arts master stepped forward and pushed the door of Xie's house.
This person is not an ordinary person, but a royal relative. He is of the same generation as Emperor Qian. Although he is old now, he still looks quite brave because of his martial arts training.
He had never seen the emperor like this before, and he immediately became angry.
Quan Shaoze had no time to stop him, he had already stretched out his hand and pushed it.
.
Um!?"
But what shocked everyone was that he couldn't push open the wooden door in front of him.
He was a little bit unconvinced and continued to push hard.
Still no response.
"The door is not locked, but it can't be opened? What kind of magic is this?"
This person only knew how to be in awe of the emperor, but he did not have the slightest bit of extra reverence, and he spoke shamelessly.
"You should be more polite. This is the gate of an immortal. It's best not to be presumptuous."
"What immortal gate? The whole world belongs to the king. Since she didn't lock the door, it means she wants to see Your Majesty. As long as we open the door, this matter can be accomplished!"
As he spoke, all the energy in his body burst out and he rushed forward like a bull.
The old locust tree in the yard shook, as if it was a little angry, and a branch suddenly swept across.
boom!
The next moment, the man flew backwards, smashing the gate of the opposite farmer's house like a rag bag, and then spit out a mouthful of blood.
Although he didn't die, his martial arts were almost ruined.
"This"
He felt his own situation and fainted immediately.
Everyone present was suddenly startled.
Only Emperor Qian was staring blankly at the gate that was so close to him, feeling extremely desolate.
Is this the third time?
Desirable but unattainable.
But at this moment, a noisy sound came from the dealer.
The door of the house was smashed, and a living person flew in. It was hard not to alarm Zhuang Mochen.
He led Zhuang Yan out, his eyes showing surprise, and when he glanced around, he found Quan Shaoze
"Mr. Jeon."
"Mr. Zhuang!"
The two men bowed and greeted each other.
Zhuang Mochen pointed at the Grandmaster who had fallen in his own yard, his eyes full of confusion.
"What's going on?"
But Quan Shaoze was in no mood to respond to this question. Instead, he pulled Zhuang Mochen in front of Emperor Qian and whispered.
"Mr. Zhuang, who do you think this is?"
Zhuang Mochen was a Jinshi after all, and he had served as a fourth-rank official and participated in many court meetings, so he was naturally very familiar with Emperor Qian.
He immediately showed a look of shock.
"His Majesty!"
Emperor Qian turned around and looked him up and down.
"Are you the Zhuang Mochen who resigned from his official position and returned to his hometown with the sole purpose of teaching and educating people?"
He didn't remember Zhuang Mochen at first.
He was just a fourth-rank official, and he always stood at the back during court meetings, so he didn't leave any impression on him.
The reason he really knew this person was because Quan Shaoze told him that Zhuang Mochen was Xie Lian's good friend.
"I am the Zhuang Mochen that Your Majesty mentioned. I am honored to see Your Majesty."
Zhuang Mochen hurriedly saluted. He didn't expect that the emperor would come in person.
But considering the extent to which the emperor longs for immortals, this seems not difficult to imagine.
"I am here incognito. You can just address me as Master, just like Lord Quan. There is no need for the conventional etiquette."
There was a look of desire in Emperor Qian's eyes.
"I heard that Mr. Zhuang is a close friend of Madam Xie. I came here in person today, not seeking immortality or immortal fate, but just wanting to see her in person. Please, Mr. Zhuang, pass on the message."
“Ah, this…”
"Mr. Zhuang is unwilling?"
"No, it's because Madam Xie is not at home. She went on a journey a few days ago."
"what".
"Traveling far away?"
Emperor Qian's expression darkened and he said.
"It is said that immortals have the ability to predict the future. Now it seems that it is true. They knew I was coming and avoided me from afar. It seems that I, a bad guest, am really not welcome by Empress Xie."
The immortal way is merciless..
Emperor Qian felt exactly like this at the moment. He no longer sought immortality this time, but he felt a little unwilling in his heart that he had sought immortality all his life, but in the end, he could not even see an immortal.
How ridiculous.
"Master, I'm afraid you have misunderstood. Madam Xie's trip was a plan that was made long ago and has nothing to do with Master."
Zhuang Mochen said with a smile.
"Is it really?"
"It's true."
"That's true. I feel much better now."
Emperor Qian said it felt good, but it might not be so.
Xie Lian didn't avoid him on purpose, it was just a coincidence, so this was a bit like fate.
If it were the Emperor Qian in the past, he would have been devastated.
But after the incident of "Xie Lian's Gift of Wine", no matter how big the blow in this world is, it is nothing.
"Carry him away, find a clinic, and take good care of him."
Emperor Qian arranged for people to carry the injured martial arts master away, and then looked at the unlocked door of Xie's house, with a trace of unwillingness in his eyes.
"Although Madam Xie has left, the door is not locked. Why is that?" "Because I have become accustomed to entering the Xie residence every morning to read to Madam Huai Ling. Madam Xie remembered this, so she did not lock the door. It was just for the convenience of me and Zhuang."
"Mrs. Huai Ling?"
"It's an old locust tree in the yard. You can see it just by looking up."
Emperor Qian had long noticed the unusually large old tree in the yard, but he had not thought much about it before. Now, after looking carefully, he found that the old locust tree seemed to be staring at him.
Although there were no eyes and no face, he inexplicably felt as if he was looking into someone's eyes.
"Could this old tree have become a demon?"
"It looks like a demon, but it's not a demon. Madam Xie said that this old locust tree may become a fairy root in the future."
When Zhuang Mochen mentioned this, he also felt emotional. At first, he thought the old tree was ominous and almost asked someone to cut it down. Now, only a few months have passed, and the old tree has undergone a qualitative change. He could never have imagined this.
"After Empress Xie left, many people were concerned because her door was not locked. However, no matter what they did, they could not enter Xie's house. The old tree guarded this small courtyard tightly and perfectly completed the task of guarding the house. Therefore, its reputation spread. Many people in the city called it Empress Huai Ling and talked about it. Speaking of this, there is another interesting thing. The locust tree blooms in April and May. Many people are thinking that they must come here in April and May to see how stunning the flowers of Empress Huai Ling are."
"It's incredible."
Emperor Qian murmured to himself, feeling a sense of anticipation in his heart.
If this kind of "immortal tree" blooms, it will be a wonderful sight. Although he is the emperor, he has never seen such a sight.
I even had an impulse in my heart, which was to wait here until I saw the old tree bloom, and then return to the capital.
"Mr. Zhuang, could you please help me talk to Madam Huai Ling? I want to go to Madam Xie's yard and take a look. I will not touch a single blade of grass or tree. I just want to take a look and fulfill my lifelong wish."
"Master, you don't have to try. Madam Xie should have told you before she left that Madam Huai Ling would only let three people in. The second one is Zhuang and his son, and the third one is a little white fox."
"Fairy Fox?"
"I probably haven't reached this level yet, but I have been with my son since I was young, and I have been taught by Lady Xie and read every day."
"It's a great opportunity, really enviable."
Emperor Qian took one last look at it, then bowed towards the old locust tree and stopped insisting.
"The common people have a destiny, the Zhuang family father and son have a destiny, the white fox also has a destiny, it seems that only I have no destiny. Since I have no destiny, I will not force it."
Zhuang Mochen was stunned when he heard this.
Is this something Emperor Qian could say?
He is so open-minded and seems to see through the world.
He looked at Quan Shaoze, trying to find the answer.
Quan Shaoze smiled bitterly. How could he not see through the world? Empress Xie's gourd of wine almost made Emperor Qian die.
After waking up from a coma, I saw through many things.
"Mr. Zhuang seems to be a little curious about the changes in me. It seems that Madam Xie has not told you about this. Haha, if you are really interested, why don't you come to your house and let me tell you in detail?"
Emperor Qian smiled.
"I have no chance to enter Madam Xie's courtyard. I wonder if the Zhuang family's mansion welcomes a bad guest like me?"
Zhuang Mochen said quickly.
"Master, you are too kind. It is an honor for me to have you come to my home."
Emperor Qian chuckled and walked in. After seeing the door with a big hole smashed in it by the guards, he paused and said.
"I'll find a good carpenter later to replace Mr. Zhuang's door."
Someone immediately nodded in agreement.
Zhuang Mochen's expression became more and more strange. He deliberately fell behind by a few steps and moved closer to Quan Shaoze.
"Why did the emperor become like this?"
Quan Shaoze sighed and said.
“You’ll have to ask Empress Xie about this. What she said to Your Majesty was really too harsh.
Thank you, madam?
Zhuang Mochen seemed to be thinking about something.
After a while, everyone entered the banker's reception room.
Although it is not big and cannot be said to be luxurious, it is a family of scholars after all, and is large enough to accommodate these people.
Emperor Qian sat on the throne of honor, took a sip of the hot tea brought by Zhuang Yan, then looked at him with a smile and said.
"This boy deserves the praise of the Majesty for her teaching. He looks quite smart. If he enters the court in the future, he will surely become a nobleman."
Zhuang Mochen's heart skipped a beat and he spoke quickly.
"My son is still young and has a bad temper. It is still unknown whether he will take the imperial examination in the future. I don't deserve your praise."
Afterwards, he looked at Zhuang Yan seriously again.
"Why don't you go down and study quickly?"
Zhuang Yan was a little puzzled. He certainly had no idea who this kind-looking old man was. He felt like he had been wronged.
Why does my dad react so strongly when someone praises me?
Although he was puzzled, he was sensible and retreated obediently.
Emperor Qian saw this and said quietly.
"Madam Xie treats me like a snake and scorpion, and avoids me as much as possible. Mr. Zhuang is the same. He is obviously a talented person, but he abandoned me. It seems that I am really unpopular."
Zhuang Mochen noticed that Emperor Qian had changed his attitude, and knew that he was now talking to him as the Son of Heaven. He immediately perked up, stood up, bowed, and said.
"I cannot guess what Madam Xie is thinking. As for my intention, it is insignificant. I am not a great talent and have made no achievements in the court. If I leave, it will not have any impact."
"If you weren't talented, why would Empress Xie think so highly of you and your son?"
"Your Majesty, you are overthinking. Zhuang and Madam Xie's acquaintance had nothing to do with interests. They just met by chance and got along well from the first sight. Then they became neighbors. After spending a few months together, they became good friends. Everything was done spontaneously and there was absolutely no deliberate intention."
“It’s not hard to tell from what you said that Empress Xie seems to be a very easy-going person.
"That's right. Almost everyone who has dealt with Madam Xie thinks she is very gentle."
"But you show no mercy to me."
Emperor Qian sighed, and suddenly looked at Zhuang Mochen with burning eyes.
"Don't you want to know why my temperament suddenly changed? Well, let Master Quan tell us what happened that day, and Mr. Zhuang will give us your judgment!"
Zhuang Mochen's heart trembled, but he was not afraid.
"Appreciate further details."
Emperor Qian showed admiration and motioned Quan Shaoze to go and talk.
Quan Shaoze stood up with a bitter face, still feeling a little frightened when he thought about the words he had relayed that day.
What was my mood at that time? How did I have the courage to say those words?
But he had already said it once, so it wouldn't hurt to say it a second time. He recalled a little and then began to tell the story.
It was described in great detail, but it only avoided mentioning Emperor Qian's ugly hysterical behavior when he couldn't drink the immortal wine.
But Zhuang Mochen could vaguely guess something, and his expression became more and more strange.
"This Madam Xie has done a great thing without making any noise."
And at this moment, Quan Shaoze finally came to the end and mentioned the sentence that made Emperor Qian vomit blood and faint on the spot.
"Misfortunes sent by heaven can be forgiven, but misfortunes brought upon oneself cannot be forgiven, Your Majesty, take care of yourself!"
Even though Zhuang Mochen had been mentally prepared, he still felt a sense of horror at this moment.
Is it possible to say this?
Thank you, Madam. You usually look gentle and refined, but you are so cruel when you get angry.
He suddenly understood something. No wonder Emperor Qian had such a drastic change in his personality. He had been the emperor for forty-one years and had been seeking immortality for so long, but the immortal he sought did such a thing to him and said such words. Anyone would be discouraged if it were him, right?
Emperor Qian took a deep breath. Every time he thought of this sentence, he felt frightened. At this moment, he stared at Zhuang Mochen, wanting to get an accurate answer from Xie Lian's good friend.
"Mr. Zhuang, no matter what you say today, I will not punish you. I just want to hear the truth. You are a Jinshi from Qian State. You have served as an official in many places. Later, you watched politics in the court. After resigning from office, you became close friends with Empress Xie. What you said is of great significance to me. I want to know if I really brought disaster upon myself and cannot live? It's fine if I can't live forever, but can't I even have a good end?"
As soon as these words came out, Zhuang Mochen immediately understood.
It turns out that this is the real purpose of Emperor Qian's trip.
He was scared, scared to the core, so he wanted to get an accurate answer.
But this question is difficult to answer.
After all, Zhuang Mochen grew up with an orthodox Confucian education, and later passed the imperial examination and became a disciple of the emperor. Although he was loyal to the people of the world and did not have much feeling towards the royal family, living in such an era, if he were asked to say something cruel and ruthless to the emperor like Xie Lian, it would be difficult for him.
But if I say nothing, Emperor Qian will definitely be dissatisfied.
Or maybe say some compliments or words of comfort?
It's even more impossible, because that goes against Zhuang Mochen's principles.
So he fell silent.
Emperor Qian was not in a hurry and waited silently.
After a while, Zhuang Mochen finally spoke.
"Your Majesty, do you know that there are three types of swords?"
Emperor Qian was stunned. This was a bit of a side question, but he knew the key point was in the following part, so he continued asking.
"What kind of three swords?"
Zhuang Mochen cupped his hands and said.
"They are the Emperor's Sword, the Princes' Sword, and the Common People's Sword."
He had already thought of the wording, so he started talking incessantly.
"The so-called sword of the Son of Heaven has the people as its blade, the mountains and rivers as its tip, the spirit as its spine, the heart as its hilt, the will as its arm, wrapped in wisdom, wrapped in the four seasons, surrounded by the four seas, bound by thousands of mountains, controlled by the five elements, judged by punishment and virtue, opened by yin and yang, held in spring and summer, and moved in autumn and winter. This sword is straight and has no front, it can be raised to the highest point, it can be pressed to the lowest point, and it can be moved without sideways. It cuts through the floating clouds above and breaks the laws of the earth below. Once this sword is used, all the princes will obey, all the people will respect it, and the whole world will obey it. This is the sword of the Son of Heaven."
Emperor Qian did not expect that Zhuang Mochen could actually say such a thing.
This was no longer an ordinary chat, but suddenly turned into a question and answer session between the Emperor and the famous scholars.
When he was young, he worked hard to govern the country and often consulted with talented people.
But such a scene has not been experienced for at least twenty years.
Emperor Qian straightened up, put down the teacup and asked.
"Please continue."
Zhuang Mochen didn't pay attention to Emperor Qian's actions, but sorted out his thoughts and continued.
"The so-called sword of the princes has a brave warrior as its blade, an honest man as its tip, a virtuous man as its spine, a loyal and holy man as its guard, and a heroic man as its side. This sword has no front when it is straight, no top when it is raised, no bottom when it is pressed, and no side when it is moved. It follows the roundness of the sky to follow the three lights, follows the squareness of the earth to follow the four seasons, and harmonizes the people's will to bring peace to the four regions. Once this sword is used, it is like the sound of thunder and lightning. Within the four borders, everyone will submit and obey the king's orders. This is the sword of the princes."
"The so-called common people's sword is made of metal and iron, summoned by blood, and fought to show off its strength. When two people meet on a narrow road, the bravest one wins. They cut off the head of the person and cut off the liver and lungs for pleasure. Once this sword is used, people are terrified and the whole world is in awe of its majesty. But Zhuang thinks that this is an inferior sword. When they fight in front of each other, they cut off the neck and cut off the liver and lungs. The common people's sword is no different from a fighting cock. It shows off its ferocity for a while, but it is useless for state affairs."
"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, but you hold the Son of Heaven's Sword and don't use it yourself. Instead, you use the Sword of the Common People to intimidate the world. Over the years, people's hearts have been scattered, blood has flowed like a river, the legal system has been lost, and the virtuous have left. The difficulties of state affairs may not all be your Majesty's responsibility, but as the Son of Heaven, you cannot shirk your responsibility. I am not qualified to comment on what Madam Xie said, but I feel that your Majesty's actions over the years have shortcomings. The immortals talk about cause and effect, you reap what you sow, and you reap what you sow. Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, but you hide the Son of Heaven's Sword and don't use it. Instead, you use the Sword of the Common People to show off your power, causing people to be angry. These are all bad consequences. If you enter the underworld in the future, how will you face the resentment of all living beings?"
After saying this, Zhuang Mochen stood aside in silence and said nothing more.
(End of this chapter)
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