Catching Monsters

Chapter 587 Summon the Imperial Guards

Jiang Yun smiled and said slowly, "Master Fang, you flatter me. My younger sister Qiaoqiao has been your disciple for so long, so I should have come to visit you long ago."

Fang Tingzhi gave Jiang Yun a deep look, then said to Jiang Qiaoqiao, "Qiaoqiao, you should go to school first, it's almost time for class."

"Miss Xu, why don't you take a stroll around the academy and have a look around?"

Clearly, Fang Tingzhi wanted to have a conversation with Jiang Yun without having Jiang Qiaoqiao and Xu Suwen around. Jiang Yun turned her head and nodded to Xu Suwen and Jiang Qiaoqiao, signaling them to leave.

Seeing Xu Suwen leave hand in hand with Jiang Qiaoqiao, Fang Tingzhi waved his hand, signaling Jiang Yun to come into the courtyard to talk.

Fang Tingzhi's courtyard was not luxurious; there were only two locust trees planted in it. Fang Tingzhi brought out two bamboo chairs from inside the house before inviting Jiang Yun to sit down.

"Lord Jiang, our academy has never participated in court disputes. Our responsibility is only to educate students for the world and govern the world through literature."

"I've heard about what's happened recently..."

Jiang Yun interrupted Fang Tingzhi and cupped his hands, saying, "Master Fang, since you know about the recent events, you should also know about the fact that the First Prince Xiao Jingzhi was sent out of the capital, right?"

Knowing Jiang Yun's purpose, Fang Tingzhi slowly said, "This is a court dispute in the Zhou Kingdom, and it has nothing to do with our academy."

Jiang Yun asked, "Isn't learning the teachings of the sages in the palace for the purpose of establishing the eldest son as heir..."

Fang Tingzhi smiled faintly and said slowly, "How could the teachings of the sages be so superficial? The sages' thoughts advocate using what they have learned to better govern and educate the world."

"Instead of merely fighting for power in the imperial court."

"The officials in the court are merely using the name of the eldest son as a pretext to vie for power."

"Whether one is the legitimate heir or a concubine is not important; seizing power is what matters."

Hearing Fang Tingzhi's words, Jiang Yun was slightly taken aback. As expected of a great Confucian scholar, he really saw things very clearly.

Fang Tingzhi continued, "So if Lord Jiang wants to use the academy to help you fight against the current Crown Prince, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."

To Fang Tingzhi's surprise, Jiang Yun had already smiled, bowed respectfully, and said, "What you say is absolutely right, esteemed scholar Fang. I am, after all, a scholar, and have long admired the academy. Since I have come all this way, please allow me to walk around and take a look."

"It can be said that the students' dreams have been fulfilled."

Fang Tingzhi would certainly not refuse such a request. Since the person was already there, how could he possibly kick Jiang Yun out?

As Jiang Yun turned and left, Fang Tingzhi frowned slightly.

He slowly stood up, sighed, and said, "This kid has achieved his goal."

Whether Fang Tingzhi refuses or agrees is no longer important to Jiang Yun.

What matters is how Xiao Jingqing thinks.

After leaving Fang Tingzhi's courtyard, Jiang Yun was in a rather good mood. He found Xu Suwen, and in the square of the Renyi Academy, there was a huge statue of a sage.

He was the first person of the human race to become a saint nearly three thousand years ago, named Gongxi Yuru.

The statue of Gongxi Yuru looks quite old, over eighty years old, and is dressed in a Confucian robe.

Jiang Yun didn't actually know much about Confucianism. Although he was a scholar in his previous life, he only read the words of sages.

All we know is that three thousand years ago, this Gongxi Yuru appeared out of nowhere, spread Confucianism, and with the power of a sage, fought a great battle against the demon sages.

Looking at the statue of the sage Gongxi Yuru in front of her, Xu Suwen slowly said, "Looking at it so intently, does it remind you of the days when you were studying?"

Jiang Yun shook his head slightly and said, "Confucianism and Taoism are not the same, but we still need to show due respect to the sages and worthies of Confucianism."

After speaking, Jiang Yun bowed.

Halfway through the ceremony, he frowned. The Confucianism that this Gongxi Yuru was spreading was not much different from the Confucianism of his previous life. In fact, many of the thoughts and sayings of Confucius were also included in it.

Why is this?

Seeing Jiang Yun deep in thought, Xu Suwen didn't disturb him and stood quietly to the side.

"Let's go." Jiang Yun took a deep breath and said slowly, "To Yangzheng Academy."

"Huh?" Xu Suwen was slightly taken aback.

Jiang Yun said, "While it's still early, let's visit all the academies today."

……

The Crown Prince's residence was rather quiet in the evening. Of course, there was a constant stream of people who wanted to visit, but Xiao Jingqing dissuaded them from doing so.

Although he has now become the crown prince, Xiao Jingqing knows that it is not advisable to be too ostentatious. Being low-key and patient has been his way of surviving over the years.

However, in the evening, Gu Zhengyu brought him some not-so-good news.

"Your Highness, today Jiang Yun visited all five academies."

Inside the study, after hearing Gu Zhengyu's words, Xiao Jingqing frowned slightly: "Visit the academy?"

With a thoughtful look in his eyes, he slowly sat down, closed his eyes, and said as if talking to himself, "Tell me, what did my elder brother say to Jiang Yun before he left?"

"I remember that before this, Jiang Yun didn't have much of a conflict with the Five Great Academies, right?"

"My elder brother visited him before he left, and as soon as my elder brother left, he quickly went to see the people from the Five Great Academies."

Xiao Jingqing slowly opened his eyes and asked in a low voice, "Jiang Yun cannot be allowed to live. He is quite capable and strong. If he is determined to help my elder brother..."

"In addition to the civil service group in the capital, the five major academies also helped."

"This guy can unleash terrifying amounts of energy."

Xiao Jingqing doesn't have many cards to play right now; he only controls the Imperial Guards and has good relationships with many sons of noble families.

At most, we can add the trump card of his identity as the crown prince.

But these things are not very useful.

Xiao Jingqing's eyes darkened, as if he were pondering something. He quickly said to Gu Zhengyu, "The fact that his corruption couldn't make my father dislike him shows that he is extremely important to my father."

Gu Zhengyu pondered for a moment before asking, "What does His Highness the Crown Prince mean?"

"Since this person is so important, what if we could win him over to our side?" Xiao Jingqing took a deep breath and quickly came up with an idea.

After saying that, he quickly went out the door and headed towards the location of the palace.

As evening approached, upon hearing that the Crown Prince had arrived, Xiao Yuzheng was quite pleased and cheerfully ordered someone to bring Xiao Jingqing in.

Upon entering the room, Xiao Jingqing quickly went to Xiao Yuzheng's side, massaged his shoulders, and said with a smile, "Father, although state affairs are important, you should also take more time to rest."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuzheng said reassuringly, "My child, if you have nothing to do on weekdays, go to the Imperial Study and accompany your father in handling state affairs."

"Also, wasn't it you who arranged for Liu Bufu to impeach Jiang Yun?"

Upon hearing Xiao Yuzheng's question, Xiao Jingqing's heart skipped a beat, and he lowered his head to admit, "Yes, but I have indeed found out about Jiang Yun..."

"Alright, Jiang Yun is a good lad. If you ascend the throne in the future, you cannot neglect him." Xiao Yuzheng reminded Xiao Jingqing, "I know you two have conflicts."

"You must learn the art of governing people. After you ascend the throne, you cannot appoint people solely based on personal preferences. You must also make good use of those you dislike. Only then can you be a qualified emperor."

Do you think I really like those ministers in the court?

Xiao Jingqing nodded respectfully, "Your subject understands." He then continued, "Since Father Emperor values ​​Jiang Yun so highly, Your subject also wishes to befriend him. How about this: Father Emperor issues an imperial decree to bestow a marriage upon his sister in my marriage, then we will become family..."

Upon hearing Xiao Jingqing's words, Xiao Yuzheng narrowed his eyes slightly and slowly said, "Let Jiang Yun's sister be the Crown Princess? Her background is too poor, she's not qualified."

Upon hearing the words "poor background," Xiao Jingqing subconsciously clenched his fists, thinking of his mother.

However, this was only for a moment and quickly disappeared. Instead, he forced a smile and said, "I have investigated that Jiang Qiaoqiao. She is hardworking and capable, and she also comes from an academy."

Xiao Jingqing's purpose was quite good. First, he wanted to win over Jiang Yun, and second, he might be able to gain the support of the academy.

After listening to Xiao Jingqing's words, Xiao Yuzheng remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "I will consider this matter."

"Yes."

After Xiao Jingqing left, Feng Yu, who was inside the room, whispered a reminder: "Your Majesty, Jiang Yun's younger sister is quite precious to him. If we rashly issue an edict on this matter, it may not be to Jiang Yun's liking and could make things difficult. In my opinion, why don't we ask Jiang Yun for his opinion?"

"If Jiang Yun agrees, then everyone will be happy."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuzheng nodded slightly: "When you have time tomorrow, go to the Jiang residence and ask Jiang Yun."

"It's just a pity that Jiang Qiaoqiao doesn't come from a high social class."

As Xiao Yuzheng spoke, his eyebrows furrowed slightly. He wasn't too optimistic about the matter, purely because he looked down on the person's humble origins.

The next morning, Feng Yu personally came to the Jiang residence. When Eunuch Feng arrived, Jiang Yun naturally put aside what she was doing and warmly welcomed him.

As the hostess, Xu Suwen quickly came out to greet them.

After taking their seats, Feng Yu didn't mince words and directly stated his purpose.

After hearing this, Jiang Yun was slightly taken aback, completely unexpected that Feng Yu had come for this matter, and his eyebrows immediately furrowed.

When Xu Suwen heard that Jiang Qiaoqiao was to marry the Crown Prince, he was also stunned for a moment. If it were an ordinary family, they would probably have agreed to this matter immediately.

Xu Suwen knew that Jiang Yun's thoughts were different from those of ordinary people.

Sure enough, Jiang Yun slowly said, "Eunuch Feng, my sister is indeed not young anymore. In many families, she would probably already have children at this age, but for me, it is too early."

"Besides, it's not up to me to decide who Qiaoqiao wants to marry; it should be her decision."

This was considered a polite refusal. It was only because it was Feng Yu who came to discuss this matter that Jiang Yun would have kicked anyone else out long ago.

Sensing Jiang Yun's displeasure, Feng Yu was equally puzzled. He coughed and slowly said, "As a servant, in my opinion, if I could marry the Crown Prince, I would be rich and powerful..."

Jiang Yun interrupted Feng Yu directly: "I can give her wealth and honor; she doesn't need to marry anyone to have them."

"There's no need to discuss this matter further."

Seeing Jiang Yun's resolute attitude, Feng Yu chuckled and said, "That's fine too."

Anyway, His Majesty doesn't think much of this matter...

It's good to go back and report back.

……

Jiang Qiaoqiao was unaware of these things in the early morning. She was riding in a carriage, eating the breakfast she had brought from home, when she arrived at the gate of the academy.

Xiao Jingqing had arrived early. He was handsome, dressed in brocade robes, and accompanied by eight attendants.

After Jiang Qiaoqiao's carriage arrived, a servant whispered, "Your Highness, this is the carriage."

Unaware of the situation, Jiang Qiaoqiao had just alighted from the carriage.

Upon seeing her, Xiao Jingqing nodded slightly. She was indeed a rather pretty and charming girl. He then walked forward with a smile, holding a rather valuable jade bracelet in his hand.

"Miss Jiang, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Who are you?" Jiang Qiaoqiao looked at the other person warily.

Xiao Jingqing said, "We'll get to know each other soon. My name is Xiao Jingqing."

The attendant beside her quickly added, "Miss Jiang, this is His Highness the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Qiaoqiao suddenly realized: "Oh, you're that prince!"

She stayed at home every day and often heard her sister-in-law talk about the conflict between her brother and the crown prince. In her opinion, anyone who had a conflict with her brother must be a bad person.

She wasn't going to pay any attention to him and was about to leave.

“Miss Jiang, it seems you have some misunderstanding about me. This jade bracelet was specially made for you to wear.”

Seeing the other person hand over the jade bracelet, Jiang Qiaoqiao quickly waved her hand: "I don't want it."

At this moment, many eyes were already turning towards this side, and many students in the academy were watching this scene with curiosity.

Jiang Qiaoqiao was beautiful and came from a distinguished family. Naturally, many students in the academy were infatuated with her. However, due to Jiang Qiaoqiao's status and her brother being a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, no one dared to stop her from giving gifts. At most, they would secretly stay at home and write some poems.

Xiao Jingqing took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Alright, Miss Jiang, this bracelet is a gift I bought for you. If you don't want it, then smash it."

Click.

Soon after, the sound of the jade bracelet shattering rang out.

Jiang Qiaoqiao acted swiftly, smashing the bracelet without hesitation.

"Okay."

Xiao Jingqing's face darkened, and he reached out to grab Jiang Qiaoqiao's shoulder.

Upon seeing this, the little black creature inside Jiang Qiaoqiao's hat seemed to sense that Jiang Qiaoqiao was in danger. It instantly transformed into a force and burrowed into Jiang Qiaoqiao's body.

In an instant, black power flowed through Jiang Qiaoqiao's skin.

In an instant, Jiang Qiaoqiao grabbed Xiao Jingqing's wrist and squeezed it hard. Then she turned around and kicked Xiao Jingqing in the stomach.

This sudden change caught Xiao Jingqing completely off guard.

With a bang, Xiao Jingqing was kicked so hard that he staggered back several steps.

Looking up, Jiang Qiaoqiao raised her hands and clenched her little fists.

"on!"

Several of his attendants shouted and rushed forward.

But soon, with Xiao Hei possessing her, Jiang Qiaoqiao was no match for these few followers.

Soon, all of his followers were knocked to the ground.

After knocking everyone to the ground, Xiao Hei jumped back onto Jiang Qiaoqiao's head, made a cooing sound, and then closed its eyes to sleep.

Jiang Qiaoqiao had no idea what a mess she had made, and skipped and hopped into the academy.

The attendants slowly helped Xiao Jingqing to his feet. Xiao Jingqing's eyes sharpened: "An evil creature has attacked this Crown Prince. Summon the Imperial Guards!"

(End of this chapter)