Ming Dynasty: pacifying the rebellion and defending the border, dominating the world

Chapter 455: The Change Begins, the Shaolin Catastrophe
The world united to resist the Ming Dynasty.

It was nothing more than a desperate measure, a pipe dream.

Having gained Zhu Jinzhen's approval, Changsun Wangqing pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Even if the Great Sui, Great Song, Great Liao and other countries form an alliance, they cannot threaten the Great Ming."

"The most urgent task now is to eliminate the many problems and hidden dangers within the Ming Dynasty."

"As for them? Such an alliance is not stable and it is difficult to form a real force. Just have the secret guards keep a close eye on them."

The fighting prowess of Tian Ce and Cang Yun has already been tested by blood and fire in the wars of successive annihilation of nations. So what if the world's nations unite? Can they really stand against the Ming Dynasty?

A subtle glint flashed in the depths of Changsun Wangqing's beautiful eyes.

Forming alliances and using the weak to confront the strong could indeed solve the urgent problems of the various states under the Sui Dynasty.

However, with the declining Sui Dynasty, the Song Dynasty which emphasized civil affairs over military affairs, the Liao Dynasty, and a few small neighboring countries, the idea that they could contend with the Ming Dynasty today is simply wishful thinking on the part of Changsun Wangqing.

"Yes, ma'am."

"The Secret Guard will monitor the situation closely."

"We will never miss any information."

Yan Yimei bowed and replied.

The Xuanjia Secret Guard is no longer what it used to be; it has not only improved in strength but also in power. After Zhu Jinzhen ascended the throne, he granted the Xuanjia Secret Guard the privilege of monitoring all officials and the entire country. If they wished to commit illegal acts, they could even execute them first and report later.

With the spiritual realm bestowed by Zhu Jinzhen, Yan Yimei even dared to say that if there were any disturbances in the entire martial arts world, as long as the secret guards could find any clues, she could quickly bring them to light.

With the Spirit Realm in hand, the Secret Guard, no, the Ming Dynasty, is not afraid of any so-called conspiracies or tricks.

"Ah."

Changsun Wangqing nodded slightly and continued to review the memorials that were handed to him.

If any court official were to see the memorial in Changsun Wangqing's hand, they would surely be greatly alarmed.

The memorial had several large characters written on it.

"Measure the fields to solve the problem of land annexation."

Changsun Wangqing read the contents carefully, his brows furrowing more and more. Finally, he let out a long sigh and put the memorial aside: "This matter is too serious, even more serious than the alliance of the world. I cannot make a decision. We must wait for His Majesty to make a decision personally."

The proposal by the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue to address the problem of land annexation was so bold as to be shocking. If its contents were to be exposed, it would be enough to set the entire Ming Dynasty ablaze.

"It seems they're really willing to pay any price for a spot on the Investiture of the Gods!" Changsun Wangqing's lips curled up slightly. The civil officials of the Ming Dynasty were never a monolithic entity; various factions and forces were deeply entrenched.

However, Changsun Wangqing was genuinely happy to see the Vice Minister of Revenue step forward to draft this memorial.

Because this means that the Ming Dynasty has begun to change.

Changsun Wangqing gazed out of the Wenhua Hall, his eyes deep and unfathomable, as if piercing through thousands of miles: "I hope they will also have a smooth journey."

……

Mount Song!
As one of the leading orthodox sects of the Ming Dynasty, Shaolin Temple has stood for hundreds of years and has countless masters. It is known as one of the world's leading Buddhist sects, along with Shaolin Temple of the Northern Song Dynasty. Its profound heritage is no less than that of Wudang, another major orthodox sect of the Ming Dynasty.

But today, this prestigious sect, which has stood tall in the martial arts world for a century, is...

But it met its end.

"who?"

"The Eastern Depot, Yue Buqun."

"Yue Buqun? The Eastern Depot? Aren't you an elder of Mount Hua?"

The novice monk who was greeting guests was stunned on the spot, and subconsciously shifted his gaze to Yue Buqun's lower body.

"Noisy!"

Yue Buqun snorted coldly in displeasure and waved his hand, sending the young novice monk flying. The other Shaolin disciples all paled and pointed their staffs at him.

The leader asked in a deep voice, "Elder Yue, oh no, Eunuch Yue, what business do you have at Shaolin Temple?"

The word "father-in-law" was full of sarcasm.

How could Yue Buqun not understand?

However, looking at the arrogant monk in front of him, he sneered and suddenly raised his hand to reveal a gold token: "I am here on orders to investigate!"

"Amitabha Buddha, Brother Yue has come from afar, I am sorry for not welcoming you properly."

Just then, a sound wave like a lion's roar came from afar. As the sound faded, the speaker landed gracefully outside Shaolin Temple and stood in front of Yue Buqun and the others.

"Although I am from Mount Hua, I am here today in the capacity of the imperial court."

"Master Fang Zheng?"

"The title 'junior brother' should not be mentioned!"

Yue Buqun pinched his orchid-like fingers, his voice sharp, yet his tone was full of mockery and indescribable pleasure.

Although Yue Buqun came from the Qi Sect of Mount Hua, his strength was not considered strong. Not to mention in the martial arts world of the Ming Dynasty, even within the Five Mountains Sword Sects or Mount Hua, his status was insignificant.

When will we be able to get Fang Zheng, the most promising next leader of Shaolin, to be treated so well?
Besides, Yue Buqun isn't here today to reminisce.

Upon hearing this, Fang Zheng's pupils contracted slightly. Thinking of something, his heart sank, but he remained calm on the surface and asked with a smile, "Then, may I ask, Eunuch Yue, what brings so many people to my Shaolin Temple?"

"It is inappropriate for such a peaceful place as Shaolin to be filled with violence!"

Fang Zheng glanced at Yue Buqun and the Eastern Depot agents behind him, his heart nearly leaping into his throat. Looking around, he saw those Eastern Depot agents, sharpening their knives, staring at him and the Shaolin monks as if they were already dead.

But what truly unsettles Fang Zheng is their strength.

"So many people at the Pointing Profound Realm?"

"What is Yue Buqun, no, what is the Eastern Depot trying to do?"

Fang Zheng's heart was in turmoil. At this moment, he saw at least fifty masters of the Finger Profound Realm and at least one hundred experts of the Vajra Realm among the Eastern Depot agents in front of Shaolin Temple.

Such a lineup, and such a formidable force.

Shaolin Temple is in grave danger!
"Hmm? No, there's another expert."

Suddenly, a sharp and terrifying aura caught Fang Zheng's attention. He looked up and saw Yue Buqun smiling at him. He almost lost his composure: "Celestial Phenomenon? How could Yue Buqun be a Grandmaster of the Celestial Phenomenon Realm?"

"Could it be..."

Fang Zheng thought of a possibility: Yue Buqun joined the imperial court and the Eastern Depot perhaps because of this.

"choke!"

A sharp blade of light, carrying a chilling killing intent, came from afar.

In the blink of an eye, they had already landed in front of the Shaolin Temple.

Gui Hai Yi Dao, holding a knife in one hand and accompanied by a group of newly formed Tian Gang Di Sha, said coldly, "The Dragon Guard Manor has received a report that Shaolin Temple is harboring filth and even concealing imperial criminals who commit rape and kidnapping."

"I have come here specifically to investigate."

"Get out of the way, or... die!"

Fang Zheng's expression changed drastically as he stared in disbelief at Gui Haiyidao and the people he had brought with him.

"A whole group of Zhixuan masters have appeared again, plus the Eastern Depot agents brought by Yue Buqun. There are now more than a hundred Zhixuan masters. First the Eastern Depot, then the Dragon Guard Manor. Is the imperial court going to destroy my Shaolin Temple?"

(End of this chapter)