Zongwu: Aspiring to be the mastermind behind the scenes

Chapter 362 Rumors Spread, Post Station Stable Driver

The night was pitch black.

On the river outside the city, only a lone lamp hangs on the boat, illuminating the rippling water in all directions.

Jiang Asheng rowed a small boat with the two men to the middle of the river, where they met up with the boat in the middle of the river.

Under the solitary lamp, one could see that the lone boat was quite large, emitting a strong herbal aroma.

"It seems we have distinguished guests. Boy, light the lamps!"

Then the lights came on, and two people came out of the boat to greet them.

One was a gaunt old man, while the other was a boy of only thirteen or fourteen.

And that old man was none other than the famous Ghost Doctor Li Ghost Hand!
Lu Xiaofeng stepped forward and said, "How can a wandering swordsman be called a distinguished guest? I am Lu Xiaofeng, and my friend Li Xunhuan and I have been poisoned and have come to seek help from the Ghost Doctor. I hope the Ghost Doctor will be kind and lend a hand."

"Lu Xiaofeng and Li Xunhuan are both very famous figures in the martial arts world. Their presence on my small boat is of immeasurable importance. Please come aboard."

Legend has it that Li Guishou is eccentric and has unusual hobbies, but now that he's in person, he doesn't seem to be as rumored.

After boarding the ship, Li Guishou examined the two men and nodded, saying, "This poison is indeed troublesome. The person who made it must not only be familiar with the medical principles of the Central Plains, but also be well-versed in the medicinal properties of herbs from the Western Regions. Only by combining these two can such a potent poison be created."

Lu Xiaofeng quickly asked, "Is there any way to undo this?"

Li Guishou sighed and said, "I am skilled in treating external injuries, but I am not particularly proficient in medicine and poisons. There is a way to completely remove this poison, but this method is not only very difficult to perform, but it will also take at least two months to completely remove the poison."

But in my opinion, the poison they've both ingested will likely take effect within a few days!

Lu Xiaofeng said, "I have an antidote that can temporarily alleviate the effects of this poison. I wonder if the Ghost Doctor can replicate this antidote?"

"Oh? Let me see it?"

"please."

After being delayed in the capital for three days, the two of them now each had only one antidote left, and they quickly handed it to Li Guishou for examination.

After carefully examining it, Li Guishou laughed and said, "This medicine is not difficult to imitate!"

Lu Xiaofeng was overjoyed: "If the Ghost Doctor can replicate this antidote, the two of us will have enough time to completely remove the poison from our bodies!"

Li Guishou said, "Master Lu has been wandering the martial world for many years, so he must have heard of the rules of Li Guishou."

Lu Xiaofeng said, "Of course I've heard of it, but I wonder what story the Ghost Doctor wants to hear now?"

Li Guishou laughed and said, "Naturally, it's the freshest story, one that no one else knows. I heard that you two went deep into the Western Desert to investigate the truth about the Iron-Blooded Marquis, and that the process was fraught with danger. I am very interested in this story."

Lu Xiaofeng laughed and said, "There's nothing that can't be said. Since the Ghost Doctor is curious about this, we two will no longer hide it from each other. Brother Li, you are well-read and have excellent literary talent. Why don't you be a storyteller on this boat tonight?"

Li Xunhuan naturally wouldn't refuse, and immediately began to tell the story.

As Li Guishou listened, he retrieved various herbs from the ship and prepared an antidote.

Lu Xiaofeng, perhaps unable to sit still, soon came outside the cabin, stood on the deck, and gazed at the lights of the capital city in the distance.

Jiang Asheng had appeared beside him at some point and asked, "Brother Lu, what are you thinking about?"

Lu Xiaofeng said, "I'm thinking about how quickly the situation in this world is changing."

Jiang Asheng sighed, "Yes, the changes in the court situation, especially in recent times, can be described as changing three times a day, catching people off guard."

Lu Xiaofeng turned his head and said, "Brother Jiang, are you also concerned about the imperial court?"

Jiang Asheng said self-deprecatingly, "I only heard a little bit about it in the marketplace."

Lu Xiaofeng said, "Perfect timing. Brother Li and I have just returned from the Western Regions, and we really know nothing about what's happening in the court right now. So, Brother Jiang, could you please tell me a thing or two?"

Jiang Asheng laughed and said, "I'm just a post station stable boy, and my information comes from the streets. If Brother Lu doesn't mind, then I have no problem with it."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Jiang."

Jiang Asheng said, "It was just a matter of words, no need for thanks. The change in the court situation actually started with Brother Lu. When Brother Lu investigated the truth in the Western Regions, he found out that the Iron-Blooded Marquis had spent a lot of money on reviving the miraculous medicine 'Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom'. As soon as this news came out, the court situation changed drastically!"

Lu Xiaofeng nodded: "In my opinion, the changes in the court situation are probably due to this reason."

Before they set off for the Western Regions, the situation in the imperial court had stabilized.

Although it was the Iron-Blooded Marquis who accepted bribes, the matter itself was not fatal.

Without new evidence, the inevitable outcome would be that after a period of investigation, Iron-Blooded Marquis would be released.

Of course, the emperor could not refrain from imposing any punishment.

But at most, they would only strip Iron-Blooded Marquis of his power; they would never kill him.

After all, the Iron-Blooded Marquis was the emperor's uncle, a member of the royal family.

Lu Xiaofeng's actions, however, added new conditions to this stabilizing situation, which led to a change in the situation.

However, this change is beneficial to Iron-Blooded Marquis.

The Eastern Depot was naturally unhappy and tried its best to suppress the matter, fabricating various pieces of evidence in an attempt to convict Iron-Blooded Marquis and kill him in a short period of time.

But the news spread throughout the world in a very short time.

Immediately, many princes and nobles went mad and submitted petitions urging the emperor to pardon the Iron-Blooded Marquis.

It should be noted that before this, although many princes and nobles had also submitted memorials, they only advised the emperor to be fair and benevolent, and even if he was to be punished, he must spare the life of the Iron-Blooded Marquis.

These petitions were largely motivated by caution.

They clearly did not want to see the emperor kill the reigning imperial uncle over a mere 180 million taels of silver.

If the emperor does this, then he can use it as an example to deal with local princes and nobles.

It should be noted that the wealth embezzled by these princes and nobles was not just a mere 180 million taels.

But now, his tone has suddenly changed, and he is actually demanding that the emperor pardon Iron-Blooded Marquis Wu.

It should be understood that because the Wan family actively provided evidence, and even used themselves as evidence, the charge of accepting bribes against Tie Dan Shen Hou could not be cleared up no matter what.

Based on this incident alone, it is impossible for the emperor to completely refrain from punishing the perpetrator.

But local kings and nobles still submitted petitions in the same manner.

Ultimately, it all comes down to that fragrant cardamom!

After all, it was a miraculous medicine that could revive someone on the verge of death!
Who in the world wouldn't want that?
When local kings and nobles submit petitions like this, it's no longer out of concern for the greater good, but entirely out of personal desire—to curry favor with the Iron-Blooded Marquis!

Lu Xiaofeng gazed at the flowing water beneath the boat, lost in thought. "And then?"

"Hehe, how could Cao Zhengchun let this go? He said it was just a rumor and not credible at all. Besides, it is a fact that the Iron-Blooded Marquis accepted a bribe of 180 million taels of silver!"
But soon, things changed again.

Jiang Asheng paused for a moment, then said, "Rumors are circulating in the martial arts world again, explaining why the Iron-Blooded Marquis would spend such a large sum of money to aid the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom in an attempt to revive the Heavenly Fragrance Bean!"

"Oh? Is there more to this story?"

“Of course,” Jiang Asheng nodded. “It is said that when the Iron-Blooded Marquis was wandering the world, he met a lover and was so infatuated with her that he even asked the late emperor for a marriage decree, but the late emperor rejected his request.”

But later, the woman beloved by the Marquis was caught in the turmoil of the martial world and was severely injured. The Marquis happened to have a Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom in his hand, so he gave it to the woman.

Brother Lu has been to the Land of Heavenly Fragrance, so he should be very clear about the medicinal effects of Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom.

Lu Xiaofeng nodded: "One pill will keep you alive, but you'll become a vegetable. Two pills will wake you up immediately, but you can only maintain your life for a year. Three pills will eliminate all the aftereffects, as if you've been reborn!"

"That's right. The woman only took one pill, so her life force remains undiminished and is treasured by the Divine Marquis. But if we want her to fully awaken, we need a second and a third pill."

However, the Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom has been extinct for many years, and even if it still exists in the world, it's unknown who possesses it. Therefore, the Iron-Blooded Marquis wants to revive the Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom in the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom of the Western Regions.

Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but sigh, "I never imagined that such a high-ranking official in the court would be such a devoted lover. But who leaked this news?"

"They are said to be several secret agents under the command of the Iron-Blooded Marquis."

"Hmm. But even so, it cannot completely absolve Iron-Blooded Marquis of his crimes."

Jiang Asheng said, "However, not long ago, there were rumors circulating in the martial arts world that Iron-Blooded Marquis was not accepting bribes, but was cooperating with the Wan family. It was just that the two sides turned against each other because of the marriage alliance, and the Wan family made a false accusation!"

Lu Xiaofeng was speechless: "Another rumor? How come there are so many rumors in the world? Are they trying to govern the country with rumors? And are there even more rumors behind this?"

"Indeed, there is another one. It is said that the reason why Iron-Blooded Marquis has not been released for so long is not entirely due to Cao Zhengchun's revenge, but also to the Emperor's own intentions..."

Lu Xiaofeng rubbed his temples.

Although I knew the situation was volatile and unpredictable, I never expected so many changes.

There wasn't a single piece of actual evidence presented; it was all just rumors.

These various rumors are likely not from a single source, and each has its own purpose.

The previous rumors could all be said to be helping Iron-Blooded Marquis.

The last two options, however, have different purposes, having shifted from helping the Iron-Blooded Marquis to coercing the emperor.

Especially the last one.

Ordinary forces probably wouldn't dare to be so bold, so it must be... the kings and nobles of various regions!
Could it be that they've become impatient because the emperor hasn't released them after so long?

But such actions are going too far.

No wonder that Chief Minister Pei claimed to be ill and stayed at home, and that guy Zhou Ming was unwilling to show his face and meet him.

It's no wonder that all the major and minor powers in the capital don't want to get involved with him.

I see……

The matter has now developed to the point where it is no longer just a matter between Cao Zhengchun and Zhu Wushi, but also implicitly represents the relationship between the emperor and the princes and marquises enfeoffed in various regions.

Chief Minister Pei's decision to remain secluded at home demonstrates his deep understanding of the importance of self-preservation; he does not wish to get involved in this internal strife within the royal family.

Because Lu Xiaofeng traveled to the Western Regions to investigate this matter, even if it wasn't his own intention, he still helped the Iron-Blooded Marquis. Undoubtedly, he was considered to be on the Iron-Blooded Marquis's side and became an enemy of the Eastern Depot.

Especially now that such rumors are circulating.

If the rumors are true, and it is indeed the current emperor who wants to bring down the Iron-Blooded Marquis, then it means that Lu Xiaofeng has also offended the emperor at the same time!

If someone has offended the emperor, perhaps in other remote places, people might still be willing to befriend them, but in the capital, under the emperor's very nose, no one would take such a risk.

“This is really…” Lu Xiaofeng shook his head, feeling quite helpless about his current situation.

Even if he didn't mean it that way, he's already been drawn into it, and no one cares about his true thoughts.

However, he has always been easygoing and didn't care much about it.

"only……"

Lu Xiaofeng looked at Jiang Asheng, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Now that Brother Jiang has helped me, I'm afraid he will also be implicated by me."

Jiang Asheng asked in confusion, "What do you mean, Brother Lu?"

Lu Xiaofeng shook his head: "Brother Jiang is not being honest. I don't believe that Brother Jiang is unaware of the current situation."

“This…” Jiang Asheng scratched his head, looking very honest: “I’m just a post station stable boy. The rumors about the current situation are all things I’ve heard from the common people.”

Lu Xiaofeng turned to look at the magnificent capital city: "You said you heard all sorts of rumors from the common people. But it seems to me that all the rumors are helping Iron-Blooded Marquis escape his predicament. So I'd like to ask, haven't you heard any other rumors that are detrimental to Iron-Blooded Marquis?"

Jiang Asheng was taken aback.

Lu Xiaofeng hadn't expected him to answer immediately, and continued, "There are countless people in this world, so there are countless mouths, countless heads, and countless thoughts. When certain similar ideas are uttered from these mouths, they become one rumor after another."

However, these people still have ears, so when they hear these rumors, they will make their own judgments based on them.

Therefore, discerning which words are acceptable and which are not is a very impressive skill. And selecting a portion of those words from among them is an even more impressive skill.

Lu Xiaofeng turned his head and said, "The Divine Physician Li Guishou is most skilled in treating external injuries, especially in bone-shaping and plastic surgery. Brother Jiang, is this face really yours? Who were you originally?!"

Jiang Asheng couldn't help but take a step back, his face showing panic. After a moment, he calmed down and said, "Brother Lu, I did have plastic surgery, but before that, I was just a wandering swordsman."

"A江湖客 (jianghu kè, a wandering swordsman)? Which jianghu do you belong to?"

Lu Xiaofeng sneered: "I'm afraid it's the most dangerous and deadly place in the martial world, right there in the imperial palace!"

Jiang Asheng quickly denied it: "Brother Lu, you really overestimate me. How could I possibly have that ability?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Xiaofeng's face immediately lit up with a smile, and he said, "That's good! To be honest, Brother Jiang, I went on a trip to the Western Regions, only to find myself inexplicably caught up in a great storm. I'm still quite shaken."

Now that Brother Jiang has dared to defy public opinion and introduce me to Li Guishou, I am somewhat apprehensive. I am genuinely worried and inexplicably afraid of being dragged into other troubles.

Since that's not the case, I'm relieved. I will never forget Brother Jiang's help today, but I have no desire to get involved in court affairs again.

"This……"

Jiang Asheng froze on the spot.

(End of this chapter)