Minglong

Chapter 306 Is there such a good thing?

The gate to the guest courtyard was open, and servants were cleaning the courtyard.

Inside the main room, Bu Qingya, wearing a black cloak and with his eyes covered by black cloth, sat cross-legged on a daybed, with a coiled black chain on the back of his hand. He remained silent and unresponsive to the outside world.

Nangong Ye had heard of Bu Qingya's name since childhood. His impression of him was that he was very powerful. Almost everyone thought that he could succeed Bu Qingya as the leader of the Gu Poison Sect. The subsequent incident was indeed unexpected, but the premature death of a genius in the cultivation path was too common, so he gradually forgot about him.

Having witnessed firsthand the domineering power of the former second-in-command of the Gu Poison Sect's soul-binding spells in Huzhou, Nangong Ye still held a degree of respect for him. He first bowed respectfully, then inquired:

"What's the current situation with Uncle Bu?"

Looking at her father's almost unchanged face, Bu Yuehua sighed softly:
"Currently, the body is being supported by a portion of Bai Xu's soul. To prevent Bai Xu from usurping the body, we have to seal off his entire soul. However, since his soul is incomplete, he cannot regain his self-awareness and can only obey my commands. Father, have some water."

Upon hearing the sound, Bu Qingya stopped his cultivation, picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip, and then fell silent again.

Nangong Ye was not skilled in soul techniques, but based on what he saw in Huzhou and the current situation, he could roughly understand that Bu Qingya had retained all his skills, but had stripped away the part of his soul that was self-aware. When he received instructions, he could handle complex battle situations based on what he had learned in the past, but without instructions, he would not act on his own, just like an extremely sophisticated machine.

Nangong Ye didn't know how the person who did it managed to do it, but the method was truly miraculous. After thinking for a moment, he asked:

"Can Uncle Bu answer the question?"

"No, but you can ask in a different way."

At this point, Bu Yuehua continued:

"Father, show me the 'Thousand Threads Soul-Binding Curse'."

"..."

Bu Qingya sat cross-legged on the spot, clearly silent, presumably searching the storage device and then discovering that the target file did not exist...

Upon seeing this, Bu Yuehua looked at Nangong Ye:
What is the reaction when someone is hit by the Thousand Threads Soul-Tethering Curse?

How could you not know your own spells?
Seeing that the demoness's expression seemed genuine, Nangong Ye could only assume she hadn't used it before and replied:

"It's like there's a connection between our souls, um... it's like I suddenly entered the other person's body, took control of it, and could sense everything around me..."

?

Upon hearing this, Bu Yuehua couldn't help but recall her recent experience of being suddenly struck by lightning after her mind had become completely still, and she frowned, saying:
"Nangong Ye, did you use this curse on me?"

Nangong Ye blinked and asked in return:

Do you think I have a chance?

"..."

Bu Yuehua didn't think so, but her recent condition did seem like she was under a curse, so she thought about it and asked:
"Have you ever been in a similar situation? You just feel so empathetic..."

Nangong Ye was afraid that if he revealed his secret, the demoness would have a way of controlling him, so he braced himself and said:
"Don't ask so many questions. If you know the solution, just tell me. If you don't, ask Senior Bu."

Bu Yuehua frowned slightly, sensing that this flirtatious Taoist nun was up to something, but decided to ask first:

"Father, try to replicate the Thousand Threads Soul-Binding Spell. The spell's effect is to connect the souls of two people, allowing them to empathize with each other, as if they have possessed each other's bodies and can sense everything the other has experienced..."

Huhu~
Bu Qingya then changed to making a fist with his hands, one above the other, his body's energy flowing around him, and the Soul-Binding Lock beside him glowing, but there was no other reaction, as if he was searching for a way to deal with it...

Seeing this, Nangong Ye said with some doubt:
"Can you deduce such a spell just by listening to its effects?"

Bu Yuehua's eyes held a hint of arrogance:
"The Burning Immortal Gu and the Heart Moon Fox Eye were both researched by my father. Otherwise, how could he have been hailed as the next leader of the Gu Poison Sect at such a young age? Zisu can figure out the pill formula based on the symptoms, and my father can research the corresponding soul incantation based on the effect, but it may take some time, not as fast as Zisu."

Nangong Ye was skeptical that Bu Qingya could rival the Great Immortal Zisu, but he waited patiently to see if Bu Qingya was truly as powerful as the rumors had suggested...
-
Meanwhile, in the imperial city.

After leaving home, Xie Jinhuan escorted the shy Wanyi back to the Lin family, and then headed to the capital.

Along the way, Coal Ball squatted on his shoulder and slapped him on the head, probably complaining that he hadn't finished breakfast, while Ye Hongshang walked ahead carrying a red umbrella, teasing him about his unrestrained behavior last night.

Xie Jinhuan was indeed a bit carried away last night, but now that he's dressed properly, his mind has calmed down, and he's secretly pondering the situation of the ghost.

Judging from the phrase "released" in my memory, the ghost must have been imprisoned.

He's been lusting after Ah Piao for a long time and definitely wants to bring her home and have sex with her right away, but he doesn't know why Ah Piao is imprisoned on a remote island in the South China Sea, nor does he know her identity.

If it were possible to find out, I would have done so long ago while traveling all over the country. The fact that I still know nothing about it suggests that the level of secrecy is too high. It is very likely that it is some ancient giant, and only the White-Haired Fairy knows the inside story.

But he couldn't ask about this matter. For now, he could only look for clues and accumulate strength, and then go to the South China Sea when he had the chance. If he really committed a major taboo and became an enemy of the righteous path, then... then that would really be a disaster for this immortal venerable one...

In addition, Sister Guo should know some clues. She said she went out to gather herbs, but she came straight back without saying goodbye. I should apologize to her...

……

Lost in these thoughts, Xie Jinhuan arrived at the imperial city and, led by palace servants, reached the Penglai Palace, the emperor's residence.

It was still early, and there were still imperial physicians walking around outside the palace, with a faint smell of medicine in the air.

Linghu Qingmo was here with her best friend, having breakfast with Zisu in a side hall. When she noticed him arrive, she got up and came over:

"You've arrived. I heard from Master that you were injured. Are you alright?"

Lin Zisu was more direct, pressing down on Xie Jinhuan's wrist to examine it:

"Hmm... severe deficiency of Qi and blood, and slight deficiency of essence..."

"Eh!"

Xie Jinhuan saw that the Purple Perilla Immortal had almost soaked through his underwear, so he quickly raised his hand:
"I'm fine, I just need a few days of rest. You all eat first, I'll come over after I've finished my audience with the Emperor."

Lin Zisu felt that Xie Jinhuan had done something bad last night, and more than once, but how could a young girl like her point it out? So she didn't say anything more.

Linghu Qingmo intended to watch him leave, but unexpectedly, this lecherous man, seemingly turning around, turned back unexpectedly.

boo~
Then he resumed walking upright, as if nothing had happened.

Linghu Qingmo's face immediately turned red. Afraid that the nearby palace servants would find out, he could only cover his face in silence and quickly return to the palace.

Then I looked up and saw Coal Ball, who had somehow wandered in, and had almost emptied half a plate of fish...

……

Xie Jinhuan followed the palace servants without stopping along the way. When they arrived outside the bedchamber, they found Empress Xu sitting by the bed, feeding her medicine from a bowl.

Zhao Xiao, dressed in a bathrobe, leaned against the couch, his face pale as if he had just escaped death, and he looked extremely weak.

Meanwhile, Zhao De and the landlady were chatting casually nearby:

"Don't worry, sister. As the saying goes, a prodigal son who returns is more precious than gold. This experience has been an enlightenment for me..."

"Is that so? The estimated cost for repairing the Bafang Tongming Pagoda and the underground palace is 120,000 taels of silver. The Ministry of Revenue has already approved the funds. How about I entrust you with the responsibility of how to carry out the repairs?"

"Is there such a good thing?!"

"puff……"

Upon hearing these overjoyed words, Zhao Xiao spat out a mouthful of medicine and reached for his belt.

Zhao De's expression changed drastically, and he quickly explained:
"Your Majesty, I am overjoyed! Overjoyed! Such an important task, and Your Majesty is willing to entrust it to me. I am not trying to enrich myself..."

As they were talking, Zhao De noticed Xie Jinhuan had reached the door. His eyes lit up like Liu Bei's son seeing Zhao Yun, and he quickly went forward.

"Brother Xie, you've finally arrived! Please explain this to me: am I now enlightened? I'll say what I can say, but I promise I'll never say what I can't say, even if you beat me to death!"

?

Xie Jinhuan felt that Zhao De was threatening him, so he completely ignored him and simply bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

"Your humble servant Xie Jinhuan greets Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, and the Princess."

When Zhao Xiao saw Xie Jinhuan arrive, he didn't suddenly sit up in a panic and beat his son, but instead revealed a smile:
"We're all family, no need for such formalities, come in and sit down."

Xie Jinhuan approached the landlady and briefly observed Zhao Xiao's expression:
"How is His Majesty?"

"Alas, I thought my life was over, but then I realized that it would have been better to die in the Xuanwu Hall..."

Zhao Xiao's words were a genuine expression of his feelings. After all, Xie Jinhuan had already lost his mind after fighting the Burning Immortal Gu alone, while Zhao Xiao, lacking such formidable skills and mental fortitude, was fighting two Gu poisons battling within his body, unable to die even as he wished. After all this ordeal, he had already shown signs of having seen through the ways of the world. Seeing that there were no outsiders in the hall, he continued:
"I knew long ago that I was not suited to be emperor, but it was in the Xuanwu Hall that I realized where I fell short. You repeatedly told me to be careful of the people around me, and Master Lu also told me to be careful before he left, but I still didn't consider myself an emperor. I thought Xu Tong couldn't possibly be disloyal, and Fan Li and Cao Fo'er were there, so Xu Tong took advantage of the situation."

"As the saying goes, it is a great virtue to admit one's mistakes and correct them. But even if I learn from this experience, if I encounter the same situation again and it is you, Lu Wuzhen, the Empress, or Ling'er standing at the door, should I be on guard against you?"

“If it were my elder brother, he would investigate the beloved Empress and the Crown Prince immediately after the incident, even if he thought it was impossible, he wouldn’t leave any loopholes. But I can’t do that. I don’t have such a hard heart. I don’t want to believe that you and Empress Ling’er would betray me, and I don’t want to disappoint you or make you think that I’m wary and that I will make the same mistake sooner or later…”

Xie Jinhuan had long seen that the Prince of Dan was honest and kind, and his respect for scholars was almost perfect. Moreover, it was not hypocritical. Such a person must be a good person, but it was indeed a contradiction for him to be the emperor. After all, the phrase "lonely ruler" was not without reason.

The saying "Compassion cannot lead an army, righteousness cannot manage finances, affection cannot establish affairs, and kindness cannot make one an official" reveals the true nature of the world. Zhao Xiao knew to "love his soldiers like his own children," but to "use his soldiers like mud" was easier said than done.

"It's only natural for people to be like this. If it were me, I wouldn't be able to put aside feelings and loyalty either. I would rather rely on my abilities to handle things if something really happens than be wary of my partner and let her feel disheartened."

"Ha ha……"

Zhao Xiao gave a wry smile:
"So, this position isn't so easy to hold. Compared to me, Xiao Dezi is actually more suitable. He knows how to be patient and assess the situation. He may seem a bit dim-witted on the surface, but when things get tough, he's eloquent and knows how to protect himself. If pushed too far, he even has the guts to overturn the table. I wouldn't dare say that such a person can expand territory, but he's unyielding and knows what he should do. At least he won't be led by outsiders..."

Thump~
Upon hearing this, Zhao De immediately knelt down on both knees, tears streaming down his face.

"Father, after seventeen years, you've finally spoken a human word... Ah!"

Zhao Ling looked surprised and kicked him!
Xie Jinhuan was stunned, and even Empress Xu was so angry that she went up and slapped him twice:
"You unfilial son..."

Crackling...

To prevent the Pill King from being disturbed, Xie Jinhuan quickly pulled up the screen to keep him out of sight and continued:

"Uh... His Highness the Crown Prince has never been stupid. His thoughts seem to be written all over his face, but no one can guess what he's thinking. He certainly has the makings of a ruler, but he's still young and lacks experience..."

This isn't an exaggeration, since no one can truly understand an idiot's mind. But while Zhao De is undeniably mentally challenged, he also possesses a cunning shrewdness, constantly making small mistakes yet avoiding major ones at crucial moments. Heh, he's just... well, let's just say he's a master of manipulation.

Zhao Xiao was already used to it and didn't pay attention to the punches and kicks outside the screen. He continued:

“I know he’s a bit clever, but I’m really worried about entrusting him with the responsibility of managing the thirty-two prefectures of the Great Qian Dynasty. There must be someone by his side to hold the reins and pull this wild donkey back at crucial moments.”

“This man is most suitable for Ling’er, but Ling’er will have to get married sooner or later. If the consort is chosen wrong, I will not be able to live in peace, either in public or in private. After thinking about it for so long, I still think you are the most suitable…”

"what?"

Zhao Ling, who was beating up her younger brother, immediately regained her noble and dignified demeanor upon hearing the noise and went behind the screen:
"Father, why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

Zhao Xiao shook his head and sighed: "Actually, I wanted to bring this up in Danyang, but with Doctor Lin and Qingmo present, I couldn't just snatch it away. Now that the situation is like this, I don't know how long I can stay in this position. I still hope that things can be resolved."

"Xie Jinhuan's potential is undeniable. Even if she doesn't take over Ye Sheng's job in the future, she can take over Lu Daozhang's job. You are sensible and can advise the emperor as the eldest princess in the future. If your advice is useless, Xie Jinhuan will be there to back you up. That scoundrel isn't stupid either, so he shouldn't cause any trouble."

“If we don’t arrange it this way, you might not be able to persuade an emperor in the future. Even if Xie Jinhuan becomes the supervisor, his interference in politics will be illegitimate. The Great Qian Dynasty might not perish because of this, but my branch of the family could really be wiped out…”

Seeing that her father had already put it this way, Zhao Ling blinked and glanced at the bodyguard beside her:
What do you mean?

Zhao Xiao also turned his gaze to Xie Jinhuan.

Having been a male tenant for so long, and even having touched the white jade tiger, Xie Jinhuan felt that Dan Wang was truly genuine. However, to say something like "There's such a good thing?", just like Zhao De, would probably damage his image. Therefore, he responded as follows:

"Marriage is a major event. It would not be ideal for Her Highness the Princess to dedicate herself to me for the sake of the greater good. Perhaps Her Highness should consider it carefully? I would certainly be grateful for Your Majesty's kindness."

Zhao Xiao's complexion brightened upon hearing the sound:

"Alright, you two can have a good chat in private. Also, you've done a great service this time, and the court officials are discussing rewards for you. You can tell Ling'er what you want; she can make the decision."

Seeing that Xie Jinhuan was completely unreserved and dared to take the opportunity, Zhao Ling felt a little embarrassed. After bowing, she quickly led Xie Jinhuan away from the bedchamber...

(End of this chapter)