Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 274, Section 283: Selling one's wife for honor, a family of beasts.

"A test?"

Wang Zhaofan pondered for a moment and quickly understood Gao Pian's meaning.

Only the owner of the magical treasure can truly control everything within the secret realm at will.

However, neither the holy land nor the imperial court can guarantee that each successor will receive the recognition of the spirit treasure as their master.

This led to the development of various methods of manipulation, the most typical being cultivation techniques and bloodlines.

Generally speaking, in sects and sacred grounds, the strong are respected, so they tend to favor cultivation techniques that match spiritual treasures in order to achieve the most basic control.

Dynasties are passed down through bloodlines. When Emperor Taizong of Qin established his rule over the world, he foresaw that his descendants would find it difficult to reach his level of martial arts prowess.

Therefore, when he passed away, he imprinted all his cultivation into the Taiqing Palace to ensure that future Li emperors could control the spiritual treasure through their bloodline.

Gao Pian's current control over the Taiqing Palace is due to two main reasons: firstly, his extraordinary achievements, and secondly, the young emperor's deep trust in him, which unlocked the shackles of the Lingbao Palace.

Therefore, Zhu Quanzhong's letter, which appears to be driven by greed and a desire for personal gain for his two sons, is not actually the case.

After all, the imperial court and the regional military governors were sworn enemies, and now they were practically tearing off their fig leaf. Any minister with a brain would never aid the enemy.

The other party's only purpose was to test the waters.

"To find out my background, and to gauge the moral character of the officials in the court, has the content of this memorial already spread throughout the city?"

"We can't hide it from the Grand Secretary," Wang Zhaofan sighed.

"This time, Zhu Quanzhong sent two sons to the capital, with Zhu Yougui as the principal son. He is currently waiting to be summoned outside the Hall of State Affairs."

"The second son, Zhu Youzhen, is the deputy. He went straight to Pingkang Ward after entering the city last night, spent a fortune, and spread the news throughout the city through the mouths of the musicians."

"Good, very good. He is indeed a loyal subject of the Great Qin. His sons are all more deserving of death than the last."

As Gao Pian spoke, his expression turned cold and stern, clearly harboring murderous intent once again.

"Grand Chancellor, the Taiqing Palace is placing too much burden on your primordial spirit."

Seeing Gao Pian, who used to be so composed, now so easily angered, Wang Zhaofan couldn't help but show deep worry on his face.

In these turbulent times, with people's hearts in turmoil, Zhu Quanzhong's memorial to the throne may well have been intended to stir up trouble.

The Qin Dynasty is probably beyond saving—what others can see, they can see too. It's just that everyone is in a different position, and some choices are beyond their control.

Some people are able to remain loyal, while others will take chances.

Seeing Zhu Quanzhong's request to join forces in suppressing the bandits in exchange for the opportunity to have an heir, one might even think that the other party just wanted to become a powerful minister.

To the powerful and influential in Xijing, Gao Pian was also a powerful minister. With the emperor's trust and the strength of a Grandmaster, he suffocated everyone.

Since we're going to be suppressed anyway, we might as well let the Prince of Liang also come to the capital.

"There are too many corrupt officials in the imperial court. Only the existence of Taiqing Palace can suppress them all."

"Zhao Fan, you've seen firsthand how stupid those people are."

"They might think that a fight between two tigers would give them room to maneuver and gain more benefits."

Gao Pian first sneered, then sighed.

“It is precisely at times like these that we must not show weakness. Tell Zhu Yougui to go back to the backyard and tell him that I will not allow Zhu Quanzhong’s request.”

"As for his dissolute younger brother, I can't control whether he frequents brothels, but if he uses a banquet to spread rumors, mislead the public, or collude with others, then no matter who he's involved with, he'll be arrested and executed."

"Including the princes and nobles in the capital, if I catch them colluding with the military governor, they will all be executed at the Meridian Gate!"

The unquestionable words, like swords cleaving through rocks, resounded with a powerful clang.

The murderous intent hidden within sent chills down the spine of even Wang Zhaofan, a grandmaster.

"My subordinate understands."

He bowed respectfully and took his leave. After leaving the prime minister's residence, he found himself outside the Hall of State Affairs, where the Six Ministries were located.

Originally, the imperial city was not laid out like this, but in order to facilitate the handling of government affairs at any time, five years ago, after Gao Pian succeeded as the Grand Chancellor, he ordered that several government offices be merged.

Since then, the candlelight in the Council of State has never been extinguished, and the titles of "sole prime minister" and "regency" have gradually spread from that time.

Wang Zhaofan knew in his heart that if Gao Pian had not used absolute force to unite the court, the officials would have immediately taken the young emperor hostage to greet him when news of Zhu Quanzhong's arrival in Luoyang came.

Then came the "Nine Bestowments," "Authorized Imperial Guard," "Sword and Shoes in the Palace," "Entering the Court Without Hasty Steps," and "Praise and Worship Without Names."
Thinking of all this, Wang Zhaofan felt even more admiration and worry for his old superior, and when he saw Zhu Yougui waiting for His Majesty, the disgust in his eyes grew even stronger.

"The Grand Secretary has read the Prince of Liang's memorial. Go back and wait."

Zhu Yougui understood immediately upon hearing this.

I've looked at it, but whether it's acceptable or not, there's no specific explanation or definite answer. That's the style of doing things in officialdom.

The advantage of doing this is that you can do it anytime, and you can also choose not to do it anytime.

Given the current relationship between the Prince of Liang and the imperial court, Zhu Yougui naturally guessed that this matter was bound to fail—something he had anticipated before he came.

"I understand what Minister Wang means. However, whether other matters are handled or not is not important, but in the matter of suppressing the bandits, speed is of the essence."

"If the imperial court can send its troops to join forces with my father to attack the rebels, we will surely win a decisive battle and relieve the crisis in Luoyang and the capital."

"Do you really think so?"

Wang Zhaofan gave a cold laugh.

Who in the world doesn't know that Zhu Quanzhong was recruited from Huang Chao's rebel army?

If the imperial court sends troops, it's uncertain who the enemy will join forces with.

A traitor putting on a show of concern for the country and its people is truly laughable!
"Minister Wang, please don't misunderstand, I..."

"The imperial court will make its own decision on this matter. As for your younger brother, Zhu Youzhen, he should behave himself while he's indulging in debauchery."

"If they dare to spread rumors and mislead the public, or collude with others, even if Zhu Quanzhong himself comes to plead for them, all we can do is go to the underworld to retrieve their remnant souls!"

Wang Zhaofan snorted coldly and turned away.

His voice was not low, and the officials in the surrounding government offices couldn't help but whisper among themselves when they saw it.

Zhu Yougui, however, showed no anger upon hearing such impolite words and remained respectful.

Only after leaving the imperial city and getting into the carriage did his expression relax, and he even had a slight smile on his lips.

Why is the young master laughing?

Inside the ornately decorated carriage was a middle-aged man dressed as a warrior. He had sparse eyebrows, a lot of white in his eyes, and tiny pupils, like pinpoints, making him look like a vengeful ghost.

"I laugh at the court's bluster and cowardice."

“Some people see my Zhu family as bandits and wish they could kill them. But some people might even want to claim credit for their service in supporting the new emperor.”

“I’m not surprised that Father’s petition was rejected, but the Second Prince caused such a commotion last night and has still not been captured by the Shence Army.”

"It is clear that Gao Pian and his subordinates were not of one mind."

Even a celestial being cannot see ten thousand miles ahead. A single tree cannot support a collapsing sky; how can Gao Pian, alone, possibly turn the tide?

The crimson horse trod on the stone slabs, exhaling scorching steam from its mouth and nostrils. Its shoulders and belly were covered with light scales, and its sharp teeth beneath its lips clearly indicated that it was a hybrid of some kind of demon and beast.

Four horses rode through the streets and alleys, and pedestrians, seeing such a magnificent carriage pulled by four ferocious beasts, would hide in fear on both sides of the street.

Zhu Yougui withdrew his hand that had lifted the curtain, his eyes revealing pleasure and longing.

He is currently only the heir apparent of the Liang Kingdom. Even though he can make the people of the capital grovel, he is not enough to make the powerful and wealthy here lower their proud heads.

But if his father becomes emperor, he will no longer be the heir apparent, but the crown prince, second only to the emperor, holding the fate of millions in his hands.

The condition is that the brothers don't get in the way. "General Ge, did the second brother bring back any news?"

Upon hearing this, the man with eyes like a demon shook his head.

"The second young master has not returned yet."

Zhu Yougui immediately frowned.

"He went to Pingkangfang for one night, even if he slept with every woman on the north and south streets, he should be back by now—General Ge, do you know where he is right now?"

Upon hearing this, the man shook his head, gave a few instructions to his subordinates who were riding alongside the carriage, and then explained:
"Although the Demon Mother's technique can create hundreds of clones, in this capital city, Gao Pian holds the Taiqing Palace, so I cannot use it to my full potential."

"However, since I can be in two places at once, the Second Young Master will naturally be fine as well and won't cause any major trouble."

"That bastard," Zhu Youzhen said without hiding her disgust, her eyes filled with loathing.

"If I ruin Father's important plans, I won't show him any brotherly affection."

The reputation of Zhu Quanzhong, the Prince of Liang, for his lust was well-known. He had many wives and concubines, and numerous offspring.

However, apart from the daughters, only two of the sons turned out to be successful.

One was Zhu Yougui, whose mother was originally a concubine. She was only made the principal wife after Zhu Quanzhong's first wife, Zhang, died.

Another Zhu Youzhen's mother was just a concubine.

The former is older and has now broken through the Xuan Guan (a concept in Chinese astrology), and has been named the heir apparent by Zhu Quanzhong; the latter is at the peak of the Heavenly Ladder (a concept in Chinese astrology), and although his talent is not bad, he will suffer a bit in terms of whether he is a legitimate son or a concubine's son.

Fortunately, Zhu Youzhen's wife was beautiful enough to be frequently favored by him. Thanks to this cuckoldry, he also benefited somewhat, and now he commands the Left and Right Control Crane Armies, gaining increasing prestige within the army.

The more powerful the younger brother became, the more of an eyesore he became in the eyes of the older brother who wanted to become the crown prince.

The middle-aged man listened to Zhu Yougui cursing his younger brother, but pretended not to hear it, keeping his eyes down and his mind at ease.

His expression changed only after the knight who had just left returned and whispered a few words to him.

"The Second Young Master went to the Duke of Yue's residence?"

"Second Young Master, one night of revelry in Pingkang Ward is enough."

“Those in the capital who are interested will naturally come to your rear to pledge their allegiance to the King upon hearing the news. Why should you risk your life yourself?”

Zhu Youzhen, riding his unicorn horse and reeking of alcohol, saw the plaque of the Duke of Yue's mansion in the distance and lashed his whip even harder.

Behind him stood a middle-aged man with pinpoint pupils and sparse eyebrows, whose appearance and demeanor were exactly the same as the man in Zhu Yougui's carriage.

"Is General Ge truly confused or just pretending? Even if those powerful figures pledge allegiance to Father, Zhu Yougui will be the heir apparent in the inner court. This credit will only go to him."

"Only by personally taking action can I let my father see my achievements."

Zhu Youzhen spoke with disdain, wishing his elder brother, who constantly used the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children to suppress him, would die on the spot.

They were all originally sons of concubines, but Zhu Yougui's mother was just luckier, so what?
My father doesn't value these things; otherwise, how would I have had the opportunity to lead the Crane Control Army?
"Then why did the second young master specifically choose the Duke of Yue?"

“Other powerful figures might defect, but the Ye family and the Li family have been intermarried for generations, so doing so would only be futile.”

"I know," Zhu Youzhen dismounted. The guards in front of the Duke of Yue's mansion noticed the newcomer and surrounded him with spears.

"It doesn't matter if we return empty-handed. Once you've done something, the seeds of doubt will take root and sprout."

"I don't need the Ye family to surrender; I just need the court to be filled with mutual suspicion."

After finishing speaking, Zhu Youzhen ignored the helpless expression on the man's face behind her and strode towards the main entrance.

"Halt! This is..."

"Duke of Yue, Zhu Youzhen, Commander of the Crane Control Army under the Liang King, requests an audience!"

Covering his entire body with true energy, Zhu Youzhen slipped into the Duke of Yue's mansion like an eel, facing the guards' spears.

The shouts of the guards and servants echoed from the front door all the way to the courtyard, turning from shock and anger to panic, and finally alerting Ye Jingneng in the backyard.

When he brought his daughter out, what he saw was Zhu Youzhen's disheveled purple robe and his bare chest, dissolute appearance.

"Duke Yue, it's really not easy to get into your mansion."

Zhu Youzhen's gaze was unrestrained until Ye Shuyi's figure came into view, at which point the head on his neck froze and remained motionless.

"Zhu Youzhen? What are the Liang King's men doing at my residence? If there's nothing else, please leave."

Upon hearing that they were from a regional military governor, Ye Jingneng, without any hesitation, promptly ordered them to leave.

"Of course there is something. I originally wanted to invite the Duke of Yue to my father's residence, but after meeting your daughter, I have a request that I cannot make."

Ignoring the unpleasant expressions on the faces of the Ye family father and daughter, Zhu Youzhen approached them with a warm smile:

"In today's turbulent world, any discerning person can see that my father is the true hero who can save the country from peril."

“I was already married, but in order to show my sincerity to the Duke of Yue, I am willing to divorce my wife and make my daughter my principal wife.”

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if our two families could become friends forever?"

"Shameless!"

Before Ye's father could speak, Ye Shuyi was already furious, and her Vermilion Bird True Essence surged up like flames.

Before she could make a move, someone grabbed her from behind.

"You beast who defies human ethics, you pig and dog who sells his wife for personal gain, how dare you bark and howl here?"

"Senior Brother Guo?"

Seeing Guo Zhao's mocking gaze, Zhu Youzhen's face instantly darkened.

In fact, many people did the same thing as him, because Zhu Quanzhong was truly a womanizer. Apart from his daughters-in-law, none of the wives, concubines, and daughters of his generals who were beautiful escaped his clutches.

Under the Liang King, everyone shared the same plight, and no one would reopen old wounds.

However, it is unacceptable that Guo Zhao exposed the truth here.

"What, did I say something wrong?"

Guo Zhao harbored extreme hatred for these warlords and was utterly merciless in his words:

"Get married? I think you just want to curry favor."

"When Zhu Quanzhong was having sex with your wives and concubines, were you helping them push from behind?"

Zhu Youzhen's eyes instantly turned blood red.

"You're asking for it!!!"

"The Great Crimson Heaven's Pure Realm. Knowing full well that the imperial court would never agree, what exactly is Zhu Quanzhong's plan?"

On the bed, Li Cunxiao inhaled and exhaled true energy, and the twenty-four vertebrae of his spine shone with light, gradually filling the Yuzhen acupoint from low to high.

After completing one cycle of the Qi circulation, he got up, pushed open the door, and went out, muttering to himself.

Last night, Qinglong Temple came to visit, but nothing was reached in the end, as their motives remained unclear.

In the end, all they did was get to know the two monks, Ru Hai and his companion, and agree to help each other once they entered the secret realm.

Thinking that the court might have made some new moves overnight, Li Cunxiao was about to go find Guo Zhao when a servant of the Prince's Mansion told him that the other party had gone to the Duke of Yue's Mansion.

Li Cunxiao then left the Prince's Mansion, and as soon as he stepped out, he saw a chaotic scene in front of the Duke of Yue's Mansion.

As he got closer, he noticed the familiar fluctuations of true energy spreading out, and to his surprise, he discovered that Guo Zhao was actually fighting someone.

I was immediately surprised.

Who would dare to lay a hand on the future Prince of Fenyang at the Duke of Yue's residence? Could it be...?
(End of this chapter)