My father is a Confucian sage, but the system forces me to be a crude warrior

Chapter 425 Zeng Anmin's Schemes!

shock.

Zeng Anmin's words resonated powerfully within the grand hall.

Everyone stared at him in disbelief.

They were listening to something completely foreign to them.

It should be noted that before this, whether in the imperial court or in rumors circulating in the martial arts world...

The reason why Xuanlun Manor was wiped out by Zeng Anmin's troops.

It was because they robbed the disaster relief grain being transported by Dongfang Sheng and Sun Chuanfang on the Ganges River and killed Dongfang Sheng and Sun Chuanfang.

Then Zeng Anmin used the Confucian Sage's Treasure to subdue the second-rank patriarch of Xuanlun Manor, and finally led his troops to Xuanlun Manor to remove him from the list.

And today, they actually heard this version in the main hall?
A completely different version...

Quiet.

The main hall was deathly silent.

Emperor Jianhong's expression was solemn. He took a deep breath and looked at Zeng Anmin with a gloomy face:
"Young Minister Zeng."

"Although I am not familiar with military affairs."

"But he also knew the formidable strength of a second-rank martial artist."

"If what you say is true, then Dongfang Sheng and Sun Chuanfang both died at the hands of that second-rank official, Guan Tiansheng."

How did you find out about this?

As he spoke, his gaze sharpened, like a sword hanging over Zeng Anmin's head.

He was questioning Zeng Anmin's words.

"Yes! If Second-Rank Supervisor Tian Sheng was really involved in the operation himself, how could anyone have been left alive at the scene?"

"Could it be that you're just making wild guesses?"

"And that second-grade array master Shen Qiu? Heh, if I remember correctly, he died during the Tongzheng era."

"Really..."

…………

These voices sparked much discussion.

Zeng Anmin looked up expressionlessly, his voice carrying a chill:
“Your Majesty, everything I have said is true, and there is a basis for everything I have said.”

"Your Majesty and the officials of the court, please listen to the whole story."

Emperor Jianhong looked at him expressionlessly:
"You said."

Zeng Anmin took a step forward and said loudly:
"Not long after I embarked on the disaster relief journey, I encountered a fleet of ships."

"This fleet arrived strangely, without any flags, and fled hastily after seeing my disaster relief fleet."

"I sensed something was wrong, so I led men to give chase... and the chase lasted for two days and nights."

"Unexpectedly, this fleet actually belongs to Xuanlun Manor. They say they've been frequently harassed by river pirates along the way, so they haven't set up any flags... But I've noticed a strange fragrance on this ship..."

"After inspecting the ship, I led my men back to the relief fleet and went to the counter to buy grain, only to find that there was no grain left to buy. Someone had already bought up all the grain in the city before me."

"From this, I can tell that there is an inside agent from Xuanlun Manor in the fleet, so I deliberately spread the news that Sima Nan and Dongfang Sheng should buy grain by land."

"And out of concern, he arranged for Liu Shishi, a third-rank array master from the Xuanzhen Division, to protect him along the way."

"........."

Zeng Anmin recounted, bit by bit, all his experiences and speculations, from his trip to Xiliu to the end of the disaster relief efforts there.

Of course, he kept it a secret for a long time; for example, he never mentioned anything about the dragon vein.

However, he spoke in great detail about the million disaster victims in Xiliu!
“My cousin once worked at the Daoist Sword Sect. She mentioned to me a Daoist secret technique: using the seven emotions to refine elixirs to increase one’s cultivation.”

At this point, Zeng Anmin's gaze sharpened like a sword:
"Why are you doing everything you can to obstruct my disaster relief efforts? Why do you insist on using a diversionary tactic to buy up all the food before I can do it? Why do you insist on keeping those million disaster victims hanging on by a thread by distributing porridge?"

Zeng Anmin's voice was like thunder, resounding throughout the entire hall.

Everyone fell silent.

"Hi~"

A gasp of shock rang out.

There wasn't a single fool in the entire Golden Palace; they were all among the smartest people in the current dynasty.

Since Zeng Anmin has already said all this,

They understand perfectly well!
Aside from using the emotions simmering with millions of disaster victims to refine pills and increase cultivation, how could there be any other purpose?
Zeng Anmin's gaze was calm:
"I then used the Confucian Sage's supreme treasure to kill that old dog Guan Tiansheng."

Emperor Jianhong's gaze remained somber from the moment Zeng Anmin uttered his first word.

He gazed at Zeng Anmin:
"So, Minister Zeng's words are meant to expose the evil deeds of Guan Tiansheng's Xuanlun Manor?"

His voice was calm.

It was as if he were asking about something completely ordinary.

Zeng Anmin showed no fear. He raised his head and bowed to Emperor Jianhong.
"Your Majesty, let me return to the point."

"Just as I set off, I encountered the fleet of Xuanlun Manor."

"And on the fleet there must be elixirs made from the breath of despair of millions of disaster victims."

"Under the guise of delivering fine wine to the palace, they were actually secretly smuggling elixirs into the capital."

His expression was indifferent: "I request a thorough investigation. Is there anyone in the capital who can take this elixir?"

"Shhh!!"

There was no hesitation.

All eyes were fixed on Zeng Anmin's face.

A look of horror appeared on their faces.

Is this kid... really that tough?!

Others may not know the meaning behind his words to reassure the people, but how could these court officials not know?
Zeng Anmin made no mention of Wang Dong, the second-rank patriarch in the imperial palace.

But every single word points to him!

Emperor Jianhong's gaze also turned cold in an instant:

"You're doubting Ancestor Wang Dong?!"

Six characters.

Every word was like a sharp sword, piercing the hearts of everyone present.

"To so readily conclude that it is the elixir based solely on the strange fragrance emanating from the ship, Zeng Tidu..."

"Isn't that a bit too reckless?"

Immediately afterwards, a familiar voice rang out.

Zeng Anmin was stunned.

Then he looked into the crowd.

Seeing Qin Shoucheng with a gloomy face, he stepped forward from among the officials and looked at Zeng Anmin, saying:

"This case is of great importance. If the evidence is sufficient, we officials will naturally not say anything more."

"But based solely on what one sees, one should not presume to make assumptions about Ancestor Wang Dong."

That's incredibly rude.

As he spoke, Qin Shoucheng frantically gave Zeng Anmin meaningful glances.

Tsk tsk.

Looking at Qin Shoucheng's anxious face.

Zeng Anmin chuckled inwardly.

My father-in-law is the most reliable person; he only stopped me at this time.

Zeng Anmin's expression froze for a moment.

Then, in a sudden change of heart, he knelt before Emperor Jianhong with utmost fear and trepidation, his voice urgent and hurried:

"Your Majesty, you gentlemen have misunderstood. I have never doubted Ancestor Wang Dong."

"I just feel that there might be other people in the capital secretly connected with Guan Tiansheng. Ancestor Wang Dong has fought countless battles for our Great Holy Dynasty, how could I possibly doubt him?!"

That's it.

His mission to the palace has been successfully completed.

He never imagined that he could nail Emperor Jianhong and Wang Dong to the pillar of shame based on his own words.

All he needs to do is voice this initial idea.

As for the rest, someone will naturally come looking for him.

Emperor Jianhong's expression was somewhat unpredictable.

He stared at Zeng Anmin for a long while.

Without thinking, I asked a question:
"I am still curious about the Confucian treasure that Minister Zeng cut off the pipe."

Zeng Anmin sighed inwardly, still testing the waters.

He scratched his head sheepishly and said, "The Confucian classics are, in principle, not meant to be publicized."

"But it was His Majesty who asked the question."

"This treasure is called the Seven Arrows of Nailhead. It is formed from the righteous energy of the Confucian sage. Like the talismans of the Talisman Sect, it is not for long-term use, but can only be used once."

As he spoke, he looked at Emperor Jianhong with resentment: "If I say these words, I will no longer be able to intimidate the enemy."

"That's alright. There are still some treasures in the palace treasury. I'll bestow one upon you later."

As he spoke, he looked at everyone expressionlessly:

"Thoroughly investigate the fleet of ships that delivered tribute wine to Xuanlun Manor."

"The three departments work together to handle the case."

At this point, he looked at Zeng Anmin and Sima Nan:

"The rewards for your disaster relief efforts will arrive soon."

"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!!" "Court adjourned!"

…………

Royal study room.

Emperor Jianhong gazed indifferently at the empty room.

A piece of paper was held between his fingers.

"The seven arrows with nail heads are the embodiment of the righteous spirit of the Confucian sage."

Just thirteen words.

What Zeng Anmin said in the main hall was exactly the same.

"The Confucian classics are of the highest value... Zeng Shilin's words are exactly the same as Zeng Anmin's."

A chill ran through Emperor Jianhong's face.

"It seems that this Confucian treasure is genuine."

His voice was utterly indifferent:

"Xiliu is thousands of miles away from Qinghai Bay."

"Even the most powerful communication jade talisman can't reach this far."

"And Zeng Anmin certainly couldn't have imagined that he would be facing Guan Tiansheng before he entered Xiliu."

Therefore, it is impossible for the father and son to have conspired in advance.

"Then there's only one possibility left." Emperor Jianhong's gaze turned towards the Xuanzhen Division, his murderous intent in his eyes impossible to conceal.

"Master Xu, Master Xu."

"I originally wanted to let you linger on for a little longer."

…………

After leaving the main hall.

Light snow began to fall outside.

Zeng Anmin sat in the Imperial City Guard for a while before going home.

Sitting in the courtyard.

Zeng Anmin lay back in the chair, quietly looking up at the sky.

"Why...aren't they here yet?"

He murmured softly.

He stretched his hand out into the air, watching snowflakes fall onto his fingertips and then slowly melt.

He said those things in the main hall.

There is only one purpose.

That is to shift Emperor Jianhong's attention from himself to Master Xu.

He knew from the beginning that the imperial power and Xu Tianshi's Xuanzhen Division were inherently opposed to each other.

Through this journey westward.

He also understood Emperor Jianhong's determination to get rid of Master Xu.

Those are millions of disaster victims!
For any dynasty, this was no less than a massive earthquake.

Not to mention that the Holy Dynasty is now also sending troops to Qinghai Bay at the same time.

Emperor Jianhong was willing to go to such lengths to cultivate one or two first-rank martial artists.

This clearly shows that his hatred for Master Xu, or rather, the hatred of the imperial power for Master Xu, has now penetrated to the bone.

"But there is a paradox here."

Zeng Anmin stroked his chin: "Since a large part of Master Xu's power comes from the nation's destiny."

"Then he should rely on the imperial power, or rather, support the imperial power."

"Just like the Eastern Cult in Jiang Kingdom, at least Empress Gu Xiangnan doesn't have this same eagerness to eliminate Dongfang Cang."

"Moreover, as far as I know, Master Xu did not do anything too outrageous."

"Then why did things develop to this point?"

He originally felt that it was only Master Xu who was obstructing imperial power, and Emperor Jianhong just wanted to find someone to check Master Xu.

But this journey to the west has made him understand completely.

The representative of imperial power is the current Emperor Jianhong.

And the Mysterious Array Division represented by Master Xu.

The situation has reached an irreconcilable point.

One of the two sides must die.

What secrets are hidden here?

He looked up at the night sky.

So he's waiting.

Waiting for someone to appear.

But that person did not appear.

What appeared was...

"Wan'er?"

Zeng Anmin paused for a moment, looking at Qin Wanyue standing outside the courtyard with a look of astonishment on his face.

She stood on the stone steps in front of the courtyard gate.

Her simple white dress blended almost seamlessly with the swirling snowflakes.

Only the silver bamboo pattern embroidered on the hem of her clothes occasionally emitted a cool light.

A white jade hairpin with beads formed from fine snow dangled from her temple, trembling slightly with her breath, like plum petals about to fall from a branch.

The light snowflakes rustled through the old plum branches, a few landing on her raised eyelashes, instantly turning into glistening water droplets.

She didn't raise her hand to brush it away, but simply looked over quietly with her misty eyes.

His eyes, like black jade soaked in snow water, reflected the gray-white sunlight, appearing even clearer than the unswept snow on the Xuan stone behind him.

As the wind swept by, a wisp of hair fluttered by her ear, and even the jade ring around her waist swayed silently.

She suddenly pursed her lips very lightly, and the white mist she exhaled blurred her vision.

But it made the small cinnabar mole at the corner of her lips stand out even more, like rouge accidentally dripping onto rice paper.

"How did you come?"

Zeng Anmin strode forward, grasped her soft hand, which had lost its warmth in the snow, and his voice carried a hint of reproach:
"Why didn't you send a servant to inform them?"

Qin Wanyue's face was filled with longing for someone she hadn't seen in so long.

She tilted her head back, looked at Zeng Anmin's profile in the light snow, and whispered:
"I am not yet married, how can I come to see you in such a grand manner?"

"Long time no see, you've lost a lot of weight." Zeng Anmin looked at Qin Wanyue and blinked.

"Perhaps it's because I went west that they worry about me every day?"

Qin Wanyue blushed and lowered her head, whispering, "No, I didn't."

When Xi Liu was mentioned, a deep look of worry appeared on her small face:

"I heard that you encountered a second-rank patriarch in Xiliu. Were you injured?"

Zeng Anmin felt a warmth in his heart.

Since returning from the west.

Only two people cared whether he had been in danger.

One is the first snowfall.

The other one is Qin Wanyue, who is standing right in front of me.

"Injured? Are you kidding me?" Zeng Anmin scoffed.
"Does a mere, uncouth second-rank martial artist even deserve to injure a disciple of the Confucian sage?"

"Yes, I've come today to tell you some good news." Qin Wanyue breathed a sigh of relief, her face sparkling with anticipation:

"I have now officially broken through to the fifth rank and will soon become a fourth-rank Confucian scholar!"

Uh.

Actually, I've already reached the third rank of the Firewood-Gathering Realm...

Zeng Anmin opened his mouth, but didn't say anything. A look of surprise appeared on his face as he looked at Qin Wanyue: "Really?!"

"Wan'er is so amazing?! I have searched through all the historical records and never seen a girl who has reached the fifth-rank gentleman realm at such a young age!"

"I'm so happy for you!"

"Let's go!" Zeng Anmin grabbed Qin Wanyue's hand and was about to leave the courtyard.

Where to?

"I'll invite you to listen to some music!!"

Uh……

However, Zeng Anmin had not yet taken more than a few steps forward.

Then it stopped.

Because, right in front of the courtyard, a figure appeared out of nowhere, looking at him with a half-smile.

Master Xu, of the Mysterious Array Division.

Qin Wanyue quickly pulled her hand away from Zeng Anmin's, her face flushed: "Greetings, Celestial Master."

"Boy, do you still remember the promise you made to me back then?"

Master Xu simply raised his head and helped Qin Wanyue up.

His gaze was fixed on Zeng Anmin.

(End of this chapter)