Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 202 Mountain City Sweet Wine: The Emperor's Edict
The beautiful hostess was in a hurry and didn't allow Zhou Yi a chance to reply before pulling him away.

Passing through the exquisite bird garden, we entered the back mountain.

At the end of the path, the west wind swayed the bamboo stalks, the leaves rustling, and the faint sound of a zither could be heard.

In the morning one should tune the zither, and in the evening one should play the se.

Before his comfortable home, the refined old man in his wide robe and sleeves looked quite content.

He put down his musical instruments and began to fiddle with the wine cups in front of his house, leisurely enjoying every moment of his later years.

Suddenly, Lu Miaozi heard footsteps.

That's strange, why are there two of them?

He was quick-witted and listened carefully before realizing that the only person who could have come here with his daughter was that boy.

Straightening up and looking into the distance, he saw a handsome young man in white robes and carrying a sword, being led by his daughter with a smile.

"Mr. Lu, I apologize for disturbing you."

Zhou Yi greeted him very politely.

“It’s no trouble at all. He was talking about you just a few days ago. He’s been thinking about you a lot. He’ll be happy to see you here.”

Lu Miaozi was slightly taken aback when she heard her daughter's words.

Did I say that?

He remained calm and composed, taking it as if he had already said it.

He waved to Zhou Yi repeatedly and said, "Young Zhou, you should come more often, otherwise you won't have the chance to enjoy my Six Fruit Wine after it's all gone."

Zhou Yi smiled and sat down with Shang Xiuxun.

"I just heard a great commotion down the mountain. I suppose the ranch people are welcoming you. You two didn't talk to each other when you met, but suddenly rushed to find me. Is that...?"

Lu Miaozi let her imagination run wild:

"But it's about making a life-changing decision? You don't need to ask me. You are all people of the martial world, so you can decide for yourselves."

A blush, like the first bloom of a begonia, crept onto Shang Xiuxun's face. "What nonsense are you talking about? He has something to ask you."

Lu Miaozi's curiosity was piqued: "Oh? What is it?"

"The Relic of the Evil Emperor".

Lu Miaozi's expression changed slightly. After hearing these four words, he suddenly fell silent and did not reply.

Shang Xiuxun urged from the side, "If you know, just say so. It's one thing to keep it from others, but are you going to keep it from us too?"

Lu Miaozi gave a bitter smile and murmured a sigh, "Brother Xiang, you've really put me in a difficult position."

He avoided eye contact and lowered his voice to explain to his daughter:
“Xiuxun, I have always kept my promises and will never break my word. Since I promised my friend to keep it a secret, I will never tell anyone, even if it means death.”

Zhou Yi had anticipated this; he truly deserves to be called the ultimate master of secrecy.

To maintain secrecy, one can refrain from being a sycophant and outshine the martial arts judge by a mile.

"You're really infuriating," Shang Xiuxun was about to say something more when Zhou Yi tugged at her arm, stopping her.

"Xiang Xiedi must be very pleased to have a friend like you."

Lu Miaozi said, "I cannot tell you the exact location of the Evil Emperor's Relic."

"It's out of the way."

Zhou Yi wasn't asking about that. "When I went to Sichuan not long ago, I actually obtained a relic and also discovered the secrets behind the Mo family's mechanical arts and the Holy Ultimate Sect."

"Hmm?" Lu Miaozi was slightly surprised.

He was actually very clear about these things.

During the time Xiang Yutian spent at the Evil Emperor Temple, he was also in Bashu.

He even built the massive mechanisms in the Demon-Subduing Cave and told Shi Qingxuan how to overcome them.

Zhou Yi took in Lao Lu's expression.

Therefore, he told us all the inside stories about the Evil Emperor Temple, the relics of the ancient Shu Kingdom, and the Temple of the God of War, whether they were confirmed or just speculations.

Lu Miaozi kept nodding, indicating that what he said was correct.

Zhou Yi then changed the subject, mentioning Yuema Bridge and Yang Gong's Treasure Trove.

Lu Miaozi was startled upon hearing this and waited for him to continue.

"It's no secret that the relic of the Evil Emperor is in Yang Gong's treasure vault."

With these words, Lu Miaozi's secret was exposed.

He looked at Zhou Yi and knew that he was not being lied to, after all, he had said the words "Yuema Bridge".

How did you learn this?

Zhou Yi said calmly, "The Queen of Yin has probably arrived at Yue Ma Bridge in Chang'an and is working with the Evil King to figure out how to break your trap."

Upon hearing this, Lu Miaozi's feelings became somewhat complicated.

So, the old lovers have reconciled?

Zhou Yi couldn't help but laugh: "I'm telling the truth, there's not a single lie in it."

Lu Miaozi stroked his long beard and pondered:
"The Yang Gong Treasury has two levels, one real and one fake. After entering the fake treasury, you will see a storeroom containing weapons and a small amount of gold and silver treasures. Moreover, this treasury has a deadly trap, and a pool of mercury will pour down."

"However, this is not very effective for experts; it only makes them believe that the treasure vault has been destroyed, thus causing them to miss the real vault inside."

"Actually, it's not difficult to get inside. I'll teach you."

Lu Miaozi was about to get up and get some paper to draw for him when she suddenly heard Zhou Yi ask:
"Mr. Lu, did you choose the location of Yang Gong's Treasure Vault, Yang Su chose it, or was it arranged by the Evil Emperor?"

His question was based on his understanding of the layout of the Evil Emperor's Temple.

Shang Xiuxun frowned: "Old man, your friend only asked you to keep the relic a secret. Now that it's no longer a secret, what else can't be said?"

Lu Miaozi gestured for her to calm down, then glanced at Zhou Yi and asked, "Why do you have such a guess?"

“It’s very simple. I know that Xiang Xiedi is looking for a way to enter the Temple of the God of War. At the same time, the enormous Yang Gong Treasure Vault cannot be built in a short time. For example, the Demon Subduing Cave in Bashu takes advantage of the natural terrain. I guess the treasure vault may have taken advantage of the existing buildings.”

"The opposite pole."

Lu Miaozi answered loudly:
"That was actually the sacrificial site of Fengjing and Haojing."

"The so-called King Kaobuwei's residence was Haojing. When King Wen of Zhou destroyed Chong and moved Xiqi to Fengjing, that place already existed. Brother Xiang asked me to put the relics there, which is to return them to their original place."

"The first generation of evil emperor Xie Bo discovered this item in the ancient Qi Kingdom's great tomb, which was obtained from the Zhou emperor's bestowal."

"After a long period of time, it returns to its starting point. Isn't this cycle that transcends time and space quite moving?"

At this point, he stroked his beard and smiled.

"Although protecting the secret of the relics is not easy, I am excited to be involved, and I can't help but admire Brother Xiang as a wonderful person."

"He is indeed a remarkable person, but what is the meaning of 'original place'?"

Zhou Yi speculated: "Could it be that the Zhou emperor has kept the relics here all along?"

"Do not."

Lu Miaozi said, "You can hardly imagine it."

"During the time of the Yellow Emperor, Guang Chengzi comprehended the secret of immortality from the Temple of the God of War and returned from underground to the surface to pass it on to the Yellow Emperor. There is a passage leading to the Temple of the God of War underground in Haojing, and Guang Chengzi came out from there."

"This place is the underground treasure vault, but the passage has long since disappeared over the years."

"but."

“Brother Xiang once brought the relic here and vaguely sensed the existence of the underground War God Temple, but it vanished in a flash, leaving him with deep regret. He told me that the War God Temple could move underground, and it was this regret that made him linger in this void, unwilling to leave.”

"In the end, when they could not find the Temple of War God and were unwilling to waste the primordial essence left behind by the evil emperors of the past, they finally shattered the void."

As the clouds parted and the sun shone through, Zhou Yi's eyes lit up: "So that's how it is."

“I had a very close relationship with Yang Su. After learning of his idea, I chose this location for Yang Gong’s treasure trove, and set up inner and outer vaults to store the relics.”

"Wouldn't that leave a loophole, giving outsiders a better chance to find the relic?"

"This is what I told my brother. He insisted that the relics never be seen in the world, and that it was up to someone with the right affinity to see them. Therefore, I cannot tell anyone. If I were to reveal it, it would be my own selfishness, and it would not be considered a matter of fate."

Lu Miaozi gave her daughter a wry smile: "Xiuxun, you can understand my predicament now, right?"

Shang Xiuxun gave him a cold look: "Who told you to make promises to others so easily?"

Lu Miaozi returned to the room and, through writing and drawing, clearly explained the structure of the real and fake warehouses.

He also planned to explain in detail the hydrology of Chang'an and tell Zhou Yi how to secretly transport the treasure underground.

Zhou Yi interrupted him directly.

There's no need to listen here. Just take Chang'an, and there's no need to smuggle the treasures inside.

Simply remove the relic.

Having clarified the matter, Zhou Yi felt more confident and began discussing matters concerning the Yin Queen and the Evil King with Lu Miaozi.

It wasn't intentional on his part; he just sensed that Lao Lu wanted to hear it.

Satisfy his curiosity, and gossip a bit to see how Old Lu treats the Empress Dowager.

He truly deserves to be called the world's greatest craftsman; he did not show any sycophantic attitude.

Of course, it could also be because his daughter was nearby.

Zhou Yi drank quite a bit of fruit wine with him. Before leaving, the beautiful owner of the farm picked up two large jars, preparing to return to the Bird Garden with him.

He stopped us halfway through.

"What? You have something else to say to the old man?"

"No."

Shang Xiuxun stared at him intently, waiting for him to continue.

"Let's go see your mother."

She paused slightly, then nodded and said, "Okay."

Shang Xiuxun led him to a relatively secluded spot on the back mountain, further away from the waterfall on the opposite cliff.

Playing the black card is an old trick. Zhou Yi could recite a long string of prayers without repeating himself in front of the tombstone.

We poured some of Lao Lu's fruit wine on it and bowed several times.

Then, he spoke highly of the current owner to this former owner whom he had never met.

They praised her for her graceful demeanor and elegant bearing.

The beautiful owner of the venue always felt incredibly sad whenever she came here, but this time, for the first time, she smiled.

She nudged Zhou Yi and pulled him away:
"Stop talking, or my mother will misunderstand you as being 'smooth talkers'."

The beautiful owner handed him a jar of wine from her arms, then took his arm with her free hand, speaking in a more intimate tone as she asked him what he wanted to eat.

Zhou Yi thought for a moment and had a good suggestion.

Shang Xiuxun showed a look of surprise, but also hesitated:
"This is not right, how can I let you do these things?"

"Hurry, hurry, don't delay."

Zhou Yi urged him on with a smile, completely unconcerned.

Next, they went together to the kitchen inside the fortress.

After Shang Xiuxun found an excuse to send everyone away, Zhou Yi prepared the dishes himself.

He planned to replicate the Chai family's swallow dish that he had eaten in Yanshi. Although he didn't have the legendary cooking utensils made by the Wood Taoist, his Heavenly Frost Cold Strength was unmatched in the world.

Therefore.
After a flurry of activity, he managed to make the swallow's nest dish before dark.

The beautiful hostess clearly had some extra practice; she prepared several delicate side dishes to serve as accompaniments, without overshadowing Zhou Yi.

They packed the food into a food box and returned to Cuihuang Pavilion, where they had eaten before, going up to the fourth floor.

Winter days are short and darkness falls early; Cuihuang Pavilion is already the highest point.

A slight westerly wind is no problem; the lights are just coming on and the warmth is growing stronger, making it the perfect time to appreciate the winter night view of Feima Mountain City.

The only regret is that their skills are still far behind those of master chefs.

"Xiuxun, are you very disappointed?"

"How could that happen?"

She pointed to the dishes Zhou Yi had prepared: "Actually, they're not that bad, it's just that you have high standards."

As she spoke, Shang Xiuxun couldn't help but laugh.

These are clearly words of comfort.

However, she was genuinely happy: "You have to be in the mood when you eat. If you're not in the mood, any dish will lose its flavor. This will be a taste I'll never forget. It's something you made yourself, and no one else can compare."

After speaking, she narrowed her phoenix eyes into a slit, forming a slight smile.

"I remembered something."

"what's up?"

The beautiful hostess had barely responded when she moved from her seat, letting him pull her onto his lap.

Although there had been close contact before, it had been quite a long time since then.

Shang Xiuxun's heartbeat quickened.

"Xiuxun, where's the wine? Where's the sweet wine you promised?"

"Isn't this it?" She gathered her thoughts and pointed to the six-fruit wine on the table: "Isn't this fruit wine sweet?"

"It's not that it's not sweet, it's just that it's not quite the same as what you said last time."

"It's the same, you're mistaken."

As the beautiful hostess spoke, a blush spread across her brows and eyes, like a blush of sunset, and her bright eyes had long lost their usual aloofness.

Zhou Yi just stared at her without saying a word.

Shang Xiuxun brought over the jade cup from the table, held it out to him with both hands, and said with a smile, "Young Master Yi, please."

Zhou Yi dodged, but Shang Xiuxun offered him a drink again. Zhou Yi teased her, dodging several times.

As a result, the drinks were spilled on the ground.

If Old Lu sees this, he'll definitely blame them for wasting such a precious resource.

The beautiful hostess poured the remaining half-cup of wine outside the Cuihuang Pavilion, causing the west wind to carry the aroma of six fruits, and then poured another cup.

She glanced at Zhou Yi, her face flushed with drunkenness, and then...
He drank it down in one gulp, emptying more than half of the jade cup. He then bent down and gave the fruit wine in his mouth, along with the few drops still on his lips, to Zhou Yi.

Because of the haste and lack of skill, although her mouth was full of fruity fragrance, her silk robe was soaked, revealing an alluring drunken state amidst her disheveled state.

Zhou Yi was still enjoying himself when the wine was gone.

"Xiuxun, it's very sweet, but I haven't had enough."

Shang Xiuxun leaned against him, and without saying a word, bit him hard.

"You haven't come to see me in so long, how come I have wine for you?"

Zhou Yi gently patted her back: "Once I've finished taking care of the chores, I'll definitely come to the ranch often. If you'd like, you can come with me anytime, and then we won't have to be separated for so long."

Shang Xiuxun didn't answer. Instead, she took out a handkerchief and wiped the wine spilled on his neck and clothes.

Then, she kissed him on the cheek.

"I'm not angry with you, I'm just worried that you've forgotten me, and it makes me sad to think about it."

Zhou Yi immediately replied, "In this matter, I value my promises even more than Mr. Lu."

The beautiful owner smiled and asked, "Then can you grant me one wish?"

"What wish?"

She didn't speak immediately, but let Zhou Yi continue eating first.

Afterwards, he took her to the elegant room on the third floor. After learning about her wish, Zhou Yi drew out the recipes for her in front of her.

He clearly presented to her the process he had undertaken in Nanyang.

In addition, a map of Pegasus Mountain City was also included.

This perfectly complements the line, "Who knows that tonight's guest will once again paint the mountain peaks."

Zhou Yi originally intended to leave immediately, but he could sense her reluctance and remembered that she had violated ancestral teachings and had been helping silently. Considering his own actions, he felt a lot of guilt.

So they stayed in the mountain town for three days.

During this time, Zhou Yi helped her with the letters she needed to read, they prepared vegetables together, enjoyed the moon and painted together, and even went horseback riding on the ranch.

During that brief period, she always had a smile on her face.

On the fourth day, Shang Xiuxun took the initiative to send him off from the ranch.

At the entrance to the East Gorge, everyone dispersed.

Zhou Yi looked at her and asked with a smile, "Can I stay for a few more days?"

Shang Xiuxun held his hand. Rumors circulated that she was aloof and self-absorbed, but in reality, she was very perceptive and could understand a person's feelings even in a short time.

He then said confidently, "No need, you go and do your work. I still need to arrange for someone to deliver horses to Strategist Xu and the others."

Seeing that she didn't seem reluctant at all, Zhou Yi couldn't help but exchange a smile with her.

"Well, I'm leaving."

Without further ado, he waved his hand and turned to head east.
……

The cold winters and hot summers passed in the blink of an eye, and it was the day of Minor Snow.

More than half a month ago, the Southern Anti-Zhou Alliance suffered a defeat against the Jianghuai Navy in Xuancheng County, after a major battle.
Today, Xiao Xian was defeated by Xu Shiji again in Jiangxia County.

His general, Zhang Xiu, who was enfeoffed as the King of Qi, lay dead on the river, and his more than 8,000 followers either died or surrendered.

After suffering this defeat, Xiao Xian dared not make any rash moves.

Xu Shiji on the other side was like someone who had taken a strong medicine, launching surprise attacks in the middle of the night one after another.

Xiao Xian sent someone to contact Lin Shihong again. However, this Chu Emperor had been spending most of his time in seclusion lately, which greatly displeased Xiao Xian.

What kind of emperor acts like this?

However, Zhou Yi was powerful, and Xiao Xian still had to rely on Lin Shihong's superior martial skills, so he couldn't afford to offend him.

Moreover, the three parties were resisting Zhou and were interdependent, so they could not afford to have any discord with each other.

Xiao Xian contacted Lin Shihong and Shen Faxing while sending someone to Lingnan to write a letter to Song Que.

If the three families really can't win, they'll have to find a way to survive.

If you can't beat them, then seek refuge with Song Que.

He felt at ease as long as the ruler of Lingnan nodded.

In today's world, even the Buddhist and demonic sects dare not cause trouble in Lingnan.

The power of the Heavenly Blade is no joke.

While Emperor Xiao Xian of Liang was planning his own future, Shen Faxing, who occupied Piling, was not idle either.

I've heard that there's been some turmoil in the Jiangdu court lately, as if someone is planning to take action against the Jianghuai Army.

Shen Faxing's dog-like nose immediately detected the smell.

So he sent a letter to Zhang Xutuo.

The letter stated, "The Jianghuai army is powerful. If we are scattered, we will be swallowed up sooner or later. Why don't we attack them together?"

Zhang Xutuo paid him no heed; the letter vanished without a trace.

Shen Faxing did not give up. Since the old-fashioned generals were sticking to the old ways, he contacted the representative of the new-fashioned generals in Jiangdu, namely the famous General You Hongda who was in charge of suppressing bandits!
Shen Faxing offered a wicked plan, stating in the letter:

“The bandits have gathered in Jiankang. I am willing to cooperate with the general to eliminate them. After the battle, Danyang will be returned to the Sui court. I fear the general’s power and will never dare to invade.”

Shen Faxing controlled Piling and appointed officials. Before he became king, he had already captured Yuhang and occupied more than a dozen counties in Jiangnan, calling himself the General Manager of Jiangnan Circuit.

He then proclaimed himself King of Liang.

Because Xiao Xian was the Emperor of Liang, Shen Faxing, as the King of Liang, was weaker. As a member of the anti-Zhou alliance, Shen Faxing's military strength was no weaker than theirs. Therefore, he changed his title from King of Liang to King of Wu, and now he has even established the Kingdom of Wu and proclaimed himself emperor.

Jiankang, located right in front of their home, is a thorn in their side.

If Jiangdu truly cooperates with him and captures Jiankang, he will allow the Jiangdu army to occupy the city.

In this way, the elite troops of Jiangdu can be dragged into a major battle with the Jianghuai Army.

At that time, the three-party alliance became a four-party alliance, and the sense of security increased significantly.

To Shen Faxing's delight, he received a reply from You Hongda!
Letter in writing:
"Chen Ling, the general defending Jiankang, remains loyal to the Sui Dynasty and has offered his own strategy for breaching the city. If you obey the Sui court's orders and join the attack on Jiankang, once the mission is accomplished, His Majesty, mindful of your meritorious service in redeeming your crimes, will grant you permission to return to Linjiang Palace, bestow upon you a new identity, and have your criminal record cleared."

The letter also mentioned that they needed to discuss with him the specific strategy for capturing Danyang.

Shen Faxing was overjoyed after reading it.

His son, Shen Lun, was a highly skilled and insightful expert. He raised objections and suspected that this was a conspiracy by You Hongda.

Shen Faxing, however, gave his son a lecture.

"The Sui court in Jiangdu has no authority, and Zhou Yi is the key to their downfall and a major threat to the Sui Dynasty. Jiangdu is actually relying on us to fight against the Jianghuai army, but they are too proud to form an alliance with us. If the four parties are scattered, they will be defeated one by one. Only by joining forces can they protect themselves."

How could Zhang Xutuo not understand?

“You Hongda comes from Zhang Jun’s camp, so this matter must have been tacitly approved by him.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Lun suddenly understood.

When asked how to deal with Jiankang City, Shen Faxing revealed his plan to use Jiankang as bait to lure Jiangdu into joining the war.

Shen Lun was overjoyed and volunteered to go see You Hongda.

Shen Faxing readily agreed and wrote a secret letter, sending someone to inform Lin Shihong and Xiao Xian of the matter, so as to prevent them from making mistakes.

Just one day later, the two sides met at Yanling.

To Shen Faxing's utter surprise, during the day everyone was arm in arm, talking a good game, planning to attack Jiankang together, and drafting all sorts of plans.

Yu Hongda also revealed that Chen Ling would definitely rebel!
They thought the cooperation was going to succeed and that they could give the Jianghuai Army a good beating.

That evening, You Hongda gave the young man a lesson.

A fire suddenly broke out in Shen Lun's military camp, burning hundreds of camps in succession, replicating the scene outside Taikang City and along the Cai River.

In the middle of the night, Yanling was filled with shouts of battle.

You Hongda suddenly launched an attack, not only annihilating the five thousand men brought by Shen Lun, but also using a large number of experts to surround and capture the son of the Wu Emperor.

Then, the military experts crippled Shen Lun's martial arts and ordered him to knock on doors all the way.

With the help of this Crown Prince of Wu.

Overnight, they captured more than ten cities.

The next day, they attacked Qu'a and threatened Shen Faxing's stronghold.

Shen Faxing was furious and ordered his army to go out of the city to meet the enemy. Unexpectedly, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Shubao, and Luo Shixin led three armies from the direction of Hailing and captured Jinling after Shen Faxing's army left.

Surrounded from both sides, Shen Faxing suffered a crushing defeat and fled in disarray toward Taihu Lake!

In just a few days, not only was Piling lost, but Wu County also fell into the hands of the Jiangdu army.

Shen Faxing only managed to maintain the situation after retreating all the way to Yuhang.

What Shen Faxing found even more unacceptable was that while the Jiangdu army was engaged in deep combat, the Jianghuai army in the Danyang direction did not take the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on the rear of the Jiangdu army.

He strongly suspected that there was collusion between the two parties.

When news of Shen Lun's execution arrived, Shen Faxing was heartbroken, but to him, he had more than one son, and if one was gone, another could be born.

If the Jiangdu army is truly colluding with the Jianghuai army, then we're doomed.

In a moment of urgency, he ordered someone to rush to Poyang Lake to inform Lin Shihong.

However.
Lin Shihong, who had been diligently practicing the Purple Blood Technique, still hadn't given Shen Faxing and Xiao Xian a definite answer.

A few days later, news of You Hongda's army defeating Shen Faxing, killing more than 50,000 enemy soldiers, capturing dozens of cities, occupying Taihu Lake, and beheading the crown prince of Wu spread throughout Jiangdu!
Inside Linjiang Palace, the Sui court was shaken!
Even Zhang Xutuo was surprised, because although it was an excellent opportunity, it was You Hongda who made the final decision.

Because he was currently in a dilemma, unsure of the Jianghuai Army's attitude and how to deal with the changes occurring in the palace.

This time, You Hongda seized the opportunity so well that even he admired it.

Those unaware of the inside story felt excited, while people like Zhang Xutuo had much more to consider.

The twelfth day after Minor Snow.

Zhang Xutuo went to the Dugu residence again and drank and talked with Dugu Sheng.

As darkness fell, the two still hadn't reached a consensus.

mainly.
They both had something on their minds.

Dugu Sheng saw Zhang Xutuo off, gazing at his departing figure in a daze.

Madam Zhang, who was standing to the side, asked, "What are you thinking about?"

"Of course, it's a matter within the palace."

"What's there to think about? You've already read Mother's letter."

Madam Zhang continued, "General Zhang has met with you several times, wanting to hear your attitude, but you, on the contrary, did not say it outright."

"Old Man"

"Don't give me that nonsense. If you were truly loyal to His Majesty, why aren't you following his orders?"

Dugu Sheng tapped the back of his hand with his palm, revealing a hint of helplessness:
"This isn't something I can decide alone. Zhang Xutuo controls a large army, and You Hongda is his loyal follower. Their combined strength is unmatched, even by me. I don't know his attitude, so how can I blurt out my own thoughts?"

Madam Zhang smiled in surprise: "You actually know how to use your brain."

"What are you saying, Madam!"

Dugu Sheng's eyes bulged out, clearly displeased.

Then, looking towards the direction of Dongdu, he gasped and shook his head involuntarily:
"I still can't believe that he was this person during the week he was with my niece Feng. I should have suspected it sooner. How could a young man with such amazing martial arts skills suddenly appear?"

Madam Zhang scoffed, "You still have doubts? Even if you put ten heads together, you wouldn't be as good as your nephew-in-law. If he sold you out, would you be counting the money for him?"

"That's unreasonable!"

Dugu Sheng was somewhat unconvinced, but when it came to his lips, only these four words came out, and he was quite powerless.

Madam Zhang said, "Feng'er is such a good liar, but she gave me a wonderful surprise."

Her eyes were full of satisfaction:

"If you ask me, our family is really lucky. Last time I thought he and Feng'er were a perfect match, and this time, you can't find a second one like him anywhere in the world."

Hearing her praise, Dugu Sheng couldn't help but say, "Rumor has it that he is quite the ladies' man."

Mrs. Zhang was completely unconcerned:
"If he becomes emperor, what do some concubines matter?"

Dugu Sheng said, "Then may I take another concubine?"

Madam Zhang smiled and said, "Why not? How could I dare to teach Second Master how to do things?"

Dugu Sheng felt a slight chill on the back of his neck when he saw her smile. "I was just joking. You don't have to take it seriously."

Madam Zhang was preoccupied with important matters and did not hold it against him.

"Stop beating around the bush with Zhang Xutuo. Judging from his attitude, he's not entirely opposed. You should be frank with him and listen to his conditions. Maybe things will go smoothly."

"Ok."

Dugu Sheng also made up his mind: "I will go to his residence tomorrow."

As they were talking, the two suddenly stopped in their tracks.

Unbeknownst to them, there was now an extra person in the inner hall where the meeting had just taken place.

He seemed like a stranger, yet he gave off a very familiar feeling.

The old man was stunned, but Madam Zhang reacted even faster, smiling as she walked up to him.

Not daring to be presumptuous, she did not use the seniority of the Dugu family, but instead bowed in the manner of people in the martial arts world: "Why didn't you tell someone in advance that you were coming, Mr. Zhou?"

Zhou Yi returned the greeting and said with a smile, "When family members meet, we don't think about so much."

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhang smiled broadly and said, "Please sit down, please sit down."

Dugu Sheng took two steps forward, looked Zhou Yi up and down, and then asked in a questioning tone, "Mr. Zhou?"

"Well, it's me."

Seeing his expression, Zhou Yi chuckled inwardly, "It hasn't been that long, and Second Master doesn't recognize me anymore?"

Dugu Sheng couldn't help but mutter a curse:
"Because of your identity, I was both surprised and worried, and I didn't sleep well for many days."

Zhou Yi explained gently, "When I came to Jiangdu last time, the situation was very unstable and there were many crises at my residence, so I had to conceal my identity to facilitate my actions."

Thinking back to that perilous time, Dugu Sheng realized that if it weren't for Zhou Yi's help, he would probably have already gone to report to the King of Hell.

Nodding, she invited him to sit down.

Madam Zhang had already poured tea. Dugu Sheng seemed to have rediscovered his old feelings and told Zhou Yi about the situation in Jiangdu, asking for countermeasures.

"Has the other imperial edict been found?"

"Yes."

Having confirmed this, Zhou Yi said in a deep voice, "Tomorrow we will seek out Zhang Xutuo and go to Linjiang Palace together."

Ok?
Madam Zhang and Dugu Sheng were both taken aback, not expecting him to be so direct.

"Is this appropriate?"

"Do not worry."

Seeing his confidence, Dugu Sheng nodded.

He acted swiftly, sending someone to the palace to report that very night, while also contacting Zhang Xutuo.

The next day at chen time.

When the Dugu family's carriage stopped outside Linjiang Palace, Zhang Xutuo had already gone to Chengxiang Hall ahead of time.

Dugu Sheng and Zhou Yi arrived at Chengxiang Hall.

Familiar scenes from the past resurfaced once again.

In the Chengxiang Hall, there were Empress Xiao, Zhang Xutuo, Dugu Sheng, Zhou Yi, and Eunuch Li.

At that time, only one imperial edict was found in Liuzhu Hall.

When the situation reached a stalemate due to the execution of Zhao Wang Gao, which rendered the imperial edict invalid, it was Zhou Yi who proposed to establish Yang Tong's brother, Yan Wang Tan, as the new ruler of Jiangdu, which allowed the Jiangdu palace to resume operation.

Today
Zhang Xutuo looked at Zhou Yi, feeling as if everything before him was an illusion.

As the fire brigade leader of the Sui Dynasty, he was always busy suppressing bandits and quelling rebellions.

At this moment, their greatest adversary brazenly appeared in the Chengxiang Hall, wanting to discuss the Sui Emperor's edict with them. This was utterly unbelievable.

Zhang Xutuo was determined to live and die with Jiangdu, and fought to the very last moment.

But
Yang Guang's edict instantly found his biggest weakness and almost crushed him in one blow.

When Empress Xiao saw Zhou Yi, her expression was quite complicated.

Dugu Sheng glanced at the two groups of people. The silence in Chengxiang Hall was finally broken by Zhou Yi: "Your Highness, may I take a look at the imperial edict?"

Empress Xiao hesitated slightly and asked:
"Were you the one drinking with His Majesty that day?"

"Yes."

She glanced at his height and nodded.

Eunuch Li, standing to the side, presented the imperial edict with both hands. Compared to the previous one, the contents of this edict were rather casual.

It says:

"I am willing to accept defeat. Jiangdu belongs to Zhou Yi. The Emperor's words cannot be disobeyed. Anyone who dares to oppose him is committing treason."

what?
The handwriting on this edict is the same as the previous one, and it bears the imperial seal, so it must have been written by Yang Guang.

Upon seeing the above content, Zhou Yi suddenly understood why these people found it hard to accept.

Guangshen's words sounded a bit like something he said after drinking.

Zhou Yi smiled slightly and turned his gaze to Zhang Xutuo: "General Zhang, are you going to disobey the Emperor's words?"

Zhang Xutuo did not answer immediately, but instead asked:

"If you were to gain control of Jiangdu, how would you intend to treat the Jiangdu court?"

Empress Xiao was also quite concerned about this.

Zhou Yi didn't waste any words and directly took out a letter: "Please take a look."

Zhang Xutuo glanced at him and recognized him as Emperor Tai, who came from the Eastern Capital.

Yang Tong was also Empress Xiao's grandson. After she took a look at the letter, her expression gradually relaxed.

Zhang Xutuo glanced at Empress Xiao, then looked at the imperial edict.

I have a question in my mind: if Empress Xiao hid this edict in the first place, why did she take it out now?

He had many guesses, but he didn't ask.

Then, in response to Zhou Yi's question:

“I dare not disobey Your Majesty’s words, but the generals under my command have been suppressing rebellions. They are very loyal to the Sui Dynasty and are all loyal and patriotic men. I cannot make decisions for them alone.”

"Furthermore, His Majesty's two edicts contradict each other."

Dugu Sheng was about to speak when he learned that the previous edict referred to Zhao Wang Gao, so there was no contradiction.

Zhang Xutuo was watching Zhou Yi's reaction, while Zhou Yi stopped Dugu Sheng.

Actively:
"General Zhang, why don't you summon your men and ask them?"

Zhang Xutuo looked at Empress Xiao, who glanced at the letter and nodded slightly.

Eunuch Li sent word outside, summoning several of Zhang Xutuo's most capable generals.

In front of Chengxiang Hall, Eunuch Li's eyebrows and eyes twitched.

Cheng Yaojin, Qin Shubao, and Luo Shixin strode in, their heads held high. They had just defeated Shen Faxing and were now filled with murderous intent!
Zhang Xutuo was well prepared.

With a large army stationed outside, the possibility of them fighting to the death cannot be ruled out.

Li Gonggong's heart skipped a beat when he saw a scarred general behind the three fierce generals.

It was none other than the General Zhenkou who personally beheaded the Crown Prince of Wu!

You Hongda, Luo Shixin, Cheng Yaojin, and Qin Shubao entered Chengxiang Hall together, greeted Empress Xiao, then paid their respects to Zhang Xutuo and Dugu Sheng, and then looked at Zhou Yi.

At this moment, Zhang Xutuo, who was standing to the side, said:
"There's something I need to hear your opinions on."

These individuals had already been warned by Zhang Xutuo, so there's no need to elaborate.

"Yes!" they all agreed.

"have a look."

As Zhou Yi spoke, he handed the imperial edict to You Hongda, who had stepped forward.

When You Hongda unfolded it and took a look, his expression changed drastically!

Everyone had seen his expression. When Yang Guang was being mourned, everyone knew how sad You Hongda was. Therefore, his loyalty was completely genuine.

At this moment, one can imagine how shocked he was when he saw this imperial edict.

Zhang Xutuo sighed softly: "General You, what are your thoughts?"

As You Hongda was grieving and reminiscing, his expression suddenly turned stern.

Cheng Yaojin and the others hadn't had a chance to see it yet.

You Hongda closed the imperial edict, knelt down instantly facing the dragon throne in the Chengxiang Hall, and shouted, "The emperor's words cannot be disobeyed! I will obey His Majesty's orders!"

……

(End of this chapter)