She is devoted to cultivating immortality

Chapter 90 The world is bustling with people, all for profit. The world is bustling with people, all for profit.
Dead!

Absolute silence.

Just like when the eunuchs and servants heard Quan Shaoze relay Xie Lian's words, Quan Shaoze also felt that Zhuang Mochen was simply crazy after hearing what he said.

Madam Xie and Mr. Zhuang are really a pair of lunatics!

No wonder they can become close friends, their temperaments are so similar!
But Empress Xie is an immortal with extraordinary abilities, so what good can she do by saying it?
But you, Zhuang Mochen, are a mortal, how dare you be so reckless?

Quan Shaoze subconsciously begged for mercy, but when he looked up, he saw Emperor Qian's bloodshot eyes.

At this moment, he was like a child whose self-esteem had been severely destroyed, and he felt like he was about to lose his mind.

"His Majesty.."

Quan Shaoze spoke tremblingly.

"Shut up!"

Emperor Qian stood up, a familiar ferocious look appeared on his face. The murderous aura accumulated from killing people for decades burst out at this moment.

He stared at Zhuang Mochen intently.

"Do you really think that just because you have an immortal friend, I can't kill you?"

Zhuang Mochen cupped his hands and spoke in a neither humble nor arrogant manner.

"Your Majesty just said that you will not blame me if I can speak freely. This is your Majesty's promise, but it has nothing to do with Empress Xie. If your Majesty breaks his promise, it will be a breach of trust."

Emperor Qian said with a sneer.

"So what if I broke my promise? According to what you said, I only know how to use the sword of the common people, I am brave and fierce, I don't think, and I neglect state affairs. For someone like me, killing people in anger is reasonable, isn't it?"

Zhuang Mochen pursed his lips and smiled.

"Your Majesty has no intention to kill. I have seen how Your Majesty kills people. He never wastes words. He just kills when he kills."

Quan Shaoze's expression froze.

Your Majesty has no intention to kill?
The next moment, Emperor Qian burst into laughter, and his tears flowed out.
"Today's trip was not in vain. Although I missed Empress Xie, I met a great talent."

"Madam Xie said that I have brought disaster upon myself, and Mr. Zhuang said that I only know how to use inferior swords, which has caused trouble for the state and will lead to bad consequences in the future."

"With the advice of the two of you, it seems that I have indeed committed serious sins, but I am unwilling to accept my fate and still want to struggle a bit, so I sincerely invite Mr. Zhuang to return to the court and help me regain the Emperor's Sword to atone for my past sins. What do you think, Mr. Zhuang?"

Zhuang Mochen said directly without much hesitation.

"I appreciate your kindness, Your Majesty, but returning to the court is meaningless to me. I have only one wish in my heart..."

"I know you want to dredge the river!"

Emperor Qian took a deep breath, a look of madness in his eyes.

"If I am willing to use all my national strength to help you control the river, do you dare to take on this responsibility?"

"What did your Majesty say?"

Zhuang Mochen was shocked and subconsciously looked at Quan Shaoze.

"Please don't blame me, Mr. Zhuang. I didn't bring it up on my own initiative. It was His Majesty who asked about your situation. I can only tell you the truth."

Quan Shaoze said with a wry smile.

After he finished talking about Zhuang Mochen, Emperor Qian just fell into deep thought without making much movement, and never mentioned the matter again.

Let him think it's over.

Who could have thought that Emperor Qian would suddenly decide to control the river!

This is just crazy!

The Zhang River is the lifeline of the Qian Kingdom. If you open the dusty history books, you can see the damage that the Zhang River has caused to this ancient land over countless years.

It is difficult to describe in words, and it is the result of the blood and tears of hundreds of millions of people.

Throughout the ages, there have been countless dynasties. Didn’t those wise rulers and loyal ministers know the harm caused by the Zhang River?
But why are there so few people who can manage rivers?

Because it is really too difficult. In addition to the waste of money and food, it also involves force majeure factors such as demons, immortals and gods.

It is an extremely crazy thing to devote all the national strength to river management. Once something goes wrong, it is very likely to sow the seeds of national destruction!

Zhuang Mochen has such an idea, which can be said to be lofty ambitions, or it can be seen as a foolish dream.

It’s nothing, everyone has the right to fantasize.

But as the Son of Heaven, Emperor Qian actually brought up this matter. That was no joke and was enough to shock the entire Qian Kingdom!
Zhuang Mochen understands this better than anyone else.

He looked at Emperor Qian in disbelief.

"Your Majesty, are you joking with me?"

Emperor Qian sat down with his horse and sword, seeming to have no pressure at all.

"You have no joke!"

"But does your majesty know how big the issue of river management is?"

"Haha, how could I not know? Am I a child who knows nothing about the world in your eyes?"

Emperor Qian took a sip of tea, and a gleam of light flashed in his eyes.

"The issue of river management is of great importance. I don't need to think about it carefully to know that there will be resistance from many sides.

"There is no need for a formal decree. As long as I say these two words, the ministers in the court and the local officials will definitely write to me. The memorials will pile up into a mountain, enough to bury both of you and me."

"And this is just the beginning. If we want to control the river, the money and grain needed is an astronomical figure. The little stock in the treasury will be emptied in an instant, and the number of civilians mobilized is unimaginable. At least a million people are needed. Too many people will easily lead to rebellion. Many righteous armies throughout history have been formed in this way..."

He listed seven or eight points in one breath, and these were just the ones he had just thought of.

If we actually do it, there will definitely be more difficulties.

Managing the Zhang River is a matter that affects the entire body. Once the plan is launched, the entire Qian Kingdom will be dragged down.

If we can’t hold on any longer, the country will be in danger.

Zhuang Mochen's thoughts were a little confused and his mouth was a little dry. He picked up the tea and took a sip, feeling a little better.

"Since Your Majesty knows this, why do you still need to tame the river?"

"Isn't this the condition for you, Mr. Zhuang, to return to the court?"

Emperor Qian smiled faintly.

"I?"

Zhuang Mochen said with a wry smile.

"Zhuang has this wish, but deep down he feels that it is almost impossible to achieve. The stakes of this matter are too great."

Of course he would not take Emperor Qian's words seriously.

Even if he was really eager to recruit talented people and wanted Zhuang Mochen to return to the court, the price he paid was a bit outrageous.

Throughout history, there have been people who would spend huge sums of money to buy horse bones, but have you ever seen anyone risk everything, even their life, to buy horse bones?

Then he is not a wise man, but a madman.

"Why? I promised to give you, Mr. Zhuang, a stage to realize your lifelong dream, but you are afraid instead?"

Emperor Qian narrowed his eyes and looked at him meaningfully.

"Do you feel the pressure when you think about the fate of a country, which all rests on you? What about your ambitions? Are they just empty talk? You usually talk a lot about river management, but when you really have to shoulder the heavy responsibility, you hesitate?"

"Zhuang is not afraid. For the sake of his lifelong dream, what does it matter even if he dies? It's just that river management is not just a fantasy. If we want to put it into practice, we don't see any hope at all."

“Why can’t I see any hope?”

Emperor Qian held the teacup, looking very high-spirited.

"I am the Son of Heaven! Although the Son of Heaven is nothing in the eyes of Empress Xie, in the eyes of the people of the world, I am appointed by Heaven."

"You need countless money and food, I will give it to you! I will demolish countless Taoist palaces built over the years and give all the money, food and materials to you, Zhuang Mochen!"

"You need countless manpower, I will give it to you! I will take out all the savings in my private treasury, sell the gold and silver in the palace, borrow money from private merchants in the name of the emperor, mobilize millions of civilians, and mobilize 100,000 troops to help. All of it will be given to you, Zhuang Mochen!"

"If you lack money, I will give it to you. If you lack people, I will also give them to you. If you are worried that someone will interfere, then I will set up a river management department and appoint you, Zhuang Mochen, as the director. I will select talented people from all over the world and you will be in charge. If you feel that the title is not enough, I will select an idle prince and also hand him over to you, Mr. Zhuang. If something really goes wrong, the royal family will naturally take responsibility for you, and you only need to complete the river management cause as you envisioned!"

As Zhuang Mochen listened, his mouth was already dry.

Quan Shaoze was sweating profusely. Emperor Qian's words made him feel terrified. If this was true, then it was simply a gamble on the fate of the country!

"Measure the material resources of the entire Qian Kingdom, and I will help you, Zhuang Mochen, complete the great cause of river management that will last for thousands of years!"

“Since ancient times, many wise and benevolent rulers have failed to do this, and many prosperous dynasties have not dared to get stuck in the quagmire of river management.”

"Looking back at this dynasty, I am not a wise or holy ruler, and the national strength of Qian is definitely not at its peak. But I am willing and dare to do this!"

Emperor Qian's words were as sharp as a knife, aggressive and threatening. "Now, it depends on whether you, Master Zhuang, dare to do it!"

Dare or dare not?
This has never been a problem.

Zhuang Mochen has always been daring, but as Emperor Qian said, the current emperor is not wise, and the national strength of Qian is not at its peak. At this time, he started the great cause of river control at all costs.
Can you see hope?
He said after a moment's silence.

"I believe in your Majesty's determination to do this at all costs, but this is far from enough. If you really want to control the river, there will be greater obstacles."

Emperor Qian sneered and said.

"Of course I know that Mr. Zhuang is talking about the gods and demons in the Zhang River. Throughout history, many kings have tried to control the river, but in the end they could only make small efforts and did not dare to give their all. The reason is that I can't solve this matter. This is something you, Mr. Zhuang, need to consider. I have given you my greatest support. Do you still expect me to solve all the problems? Some difficulties can only be solved by you, Mr. Zhuang!"

This one sentence shocked Zhuang Mochen's heart.

This is true.

Emperor Qian has already come this far, what else can he hope for?

River management has been his long-cherished wish, so naturally he should make great efforts and he must face these so-called difficulties.

Zhuang Mochen's breathing became heavier.

He was tempted.

There is no doubt about this.

Originally, he thought that his dream was just an empty bubble, but now, Emperor Qian's solemn statement gave him hope.

Although it seems that there is still little hope at the moment, at least we have taken the first step, right?
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Only by taking this first step can you truly achieve your goal.

Zhuang Mochen had to admit that he had been convinced by Emperor Qian.

No matter what kind of person Emperor Qian is, the "temptation" he offers is too great, and Zhuang Mochen has no way to refuse.

He took a half step back and bowed deeply to Emperor Qian.

"Zhuang has only one last question. I would like to ask Your Majesty, why is Your Majesty willing to gamble the fate of the country and start the great cause of river management? For the sake of the great cause for generations to come? For the sake of the people of the world? For the happiness of future generations?"

Emperor Qian shook his head, put his hands behind his back, and a sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"What about the great achievements that will last for generations, the people of the world, and the happiness of future generations? I am not that great yet."

"In the eyes of the world, I have always been a desperate madman. I can pay any price for immortality."

"I am very selfish. Everything I do is for myself. Madam Xie said that I have done evil for myself. Mr. Zhuang said that I have sown evil seeds and deserved evil consequences, but I am unwilling to accept this!"

There was a mad look in his eyes.

"I absolutely cannot bear to see myself end up like this. I want to risk everything once again and complete the great task of river management with all my strength!"

"There are so many things that Saint Lords can't do, I just want to try it!"

"If I succeed by chance, I will ask Madam Xie, is it true that I, who have accomplished such an extraordinary feat and brought great benefits to future generations, should not be able to live?!"

It turned out to be the case.

Zhuang Mochen instantly understood what Emperor Qian was thinking.

This extremely selfish king was still planning for himself.

He only has himself in his eyes and no one else in his eyes. The task of river control would be a difficult decision for any other king, but for him, there is no such burden.

Because he is the kind of person who doesn’t care about the flood after I die!

I have already "died" and "got retribution", so what else do I have to fear?

Why shouldn't I take a chance!
If I win the bet, I can accomplish great achievements and receive endless merits, and I will be counted as one of them.

If he loses the bet, he will just be buried with Qian Guo!
Without me, Zhao Hao, it doesn’t matter whether Qian Kingdom exists or not. I love Qian Kingdom, but I love myself more!
After learning about Emperor Qian's true thoughts, Zhuang Mochen felt a little angry.

Emperor Qian's thoughts are really not what a monarch should have.

But if you think about it carefully, how could those monarchs who have more concerns agree to do such a thing?
Only someone like Emperor Qian, who is willing to risk everything on one throw, could be so crazy.

Thinking of this, Zhuang Mochen's thoughts became complicated.

"It turns out that your majesty's plan to tame the river was fake, and your real intention was to use Zhuang..."

Emperor Qian's original intention was not for the benefit of all the people in the world, nor for the sake of future generations. This was completely contrary to Zhuang Mochen's idea, but their goals were the same.

Emperor Qian wanted to use Zhuang Mochen, but Zhuang Mochen couldn't get around Emperor Qian if he wanted to do this.

Zhuang Mochen even had a vague guess that Emperor Qian might not value him, but Xie Lian behind him!
"The world is bustling with people, all for profit. I have what I want, and so does Mr. Zhuang. Since our goals are the same, why bother about other things? Now this golden opportunity is in front of you, Mr. Zhuang, do you dare to take on this important task? Once you make this decision, you will either be remembered in history as a saint, or be infamous for eternity and become a sinner. Haha, it all depends on your thoughts!"

Emperor Qian threw all the problems to Zhuang Mochen.

Don’t you want to control the river?
I agree.

It depends on whether you have the courage!
"A name that will live in history for thousands of years, but a bad name for eternity"

Zhuang Mochen thought deeply for a long time, and suddenly smiled.

"Zhuang just wants to have a clear conscience!"

As he spoke, he bowed with the etiquette of a subject.

"Your Majesty, I, Zhuang Mochen, am willing to complete the task of river management for you!"

At this moment, Zhuang Mochen put aside all distracting thoughts.

No matter what, my dream has finally set sail.

This is the moment he has been waiting for!

Even though the road ahead is bleak and there is not much hope, but as he said, what does it matter if I die?
What if I sacrifice my life for the sake of river control?!

At this moment, he had no hesitation or doubt about the future, only the joy and anticipation of realizing his dream.
If you have a hope in your heart, you can look forward to the mountains and seas.

If you have a wish in your heart, mountains and seas can be leveled!

At the moment he bowed, the great energy buried deep in his dantian suddenly resonated with the heaven and earth. It was no longer just an empty image, but really merged into a turbulent stream, flowing through his body...
At the same time, Xie Lian, who was busy climbing over mountains and crossing rivers, suddenly raised his head with an incredible look in his eyes.

"Mr. Zhuang!"

The bronze tripod has caused a stir again since the unusual movement in Changxing County.

And this time it was definitely not a small fight, but just like when Bai Su attained enlightenment before, it caused a huge storm!
Her mind was immediately immersed in it, and then she saw the world inside the cauldron filled with gray fog.

The gray fog had already shaken, as if a strong wind had blown by, and the fog that spread all over the place dispersed madly, giving a feeling of seeing the sun after the clouds had cleared.

What Xie Lian was more concerned about was naturally the clouds.

I saw streams of mist flowing, merging into sparkling words, and then piecing together in the air to form the embryo of a book.

"Did you materialize the book first this time?"

Xie Lian held his breath and watched the changes.

No one knew how long it had passed, but this book containing countless cloud-like characters finally appeared.

Then more clouds rushed in, forming the shape of an elegant man.

Xie Lian only took one look and recognized that this person was Zhuang Mochen.

"A little bit of noble spirit can bring a thousand miles of refreshing wind"

Faintly, one could still hear Zhuang Mochen's hearty and open-minded laughter.

The last ray of cloud flashed by, and Zhuang Mochen's figure was finally completely pieced together.

He still looked the same, gentle and elegant, with a hint of righteousness between his brows, but his temperament was very different. He no longer had any fear, pain, anxiety or other emotions. It was as if he had cleared away all the weeds in his heart, and nothing in the world could shake his determination anymore.

He tucked the book he had just condensed under his arm, looked at Xie Lian with gentle eyes, and then smiled.

Milky white air currents lingered around his body.

Xie Lian could sense that this air current had a sense of uprightness and integrity.

"This is... righteousness. Did Mr. Zhuang succeed?"

Xie Lian knew that Zhuang Mochen had an epiphany and found his own way, and she would benefit from it.

After Zhuang Mochen chuckled, he sank into the foggy sea again, just like Bai Su. The next moment, a large amount of clouds grew and gushed out from the bronze tripod!

Xie Lian is the only beneficiary of the "Golden Crow Map" he carries on his back.

These clouds seemed to have chosen their target long ago, and rushed straight into the "Golden Crow Picture" in a premeditated manner.

“Could it be that the clouds are meant to give the Golden Crow Diagram its charm? No, no, if that were the case, it would definitely not consume so much clouds!”

Xie Lian was anxious and wanted to open the "Golden Crow Map" to see it more clearly, but now was a critical moment and she was afraid of interrupting the process of cloud transmission.

All I can do is wait quietly.

(End of this chapter)