Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 34 Shangguan Wan'er
Underground palace.

The underground river murmured mournfully.

Qiu Shenji stood in the passage, his hand on his sword, his eyes beneath his mask as cold and hard as iron. As for Yan Siping... he had already gone to guard the city gate.

"Tap, tap, tap—"

Footsteps approached from afar, and Zhou Xing, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, walked slowly towards them.

He was about fifty years old, dressed in a purple official robe of the third rank, with a gold and jade belt at his waist and a three-beamed crown on his head. His face was refined, but his fingertips gleamed with an eerie, ghostly blue—a trace left by the "Nine Heavens Embracing the Moon Technique" created by Yang Su of the Sui Dynasty before he began practicing it. This technique draws upon the power of the moon and uses the moonlight to enhance its power, allowing for rapid progress, but it also corrodes the heart and mind, gradually chilling one's temperament.

"General Qiu, I've been waiting for you."

Zhou Xing smiled, but there was no smile in his eyes.

Qiu Shenji sneered, "Minister Zhou is quite leisurely. I really envy you!"

Empress Wu Zetian ordered the Imperial Guards, the Court of Judicial Review, the Lijing Prison, and the Yuan Guards to work together to hunt down the remnants of the assassination attempt. Lai Junchen of the Lijing Prison was not particularly enthusiastic, which was understandable, but he was the youngest among them and also the most ruthless. Last year, when Empress Wu Zetian established the Court of Judicial Review and appointed him as its head, it was already a clear indication that even if a group of people needed to be killed to appease the people, it would not be his turn.

Moreover, this man was extremely shrewd. Seeing the princess's lover and the golden lion make a move, regardless of whether it was real or not, he simply stayed out of it and didn't touch the underground palace. He only focused on interrogating Pei Jiulang and the other managers, trying to pry out some clues.

The guards weren't idle either; they were searching shop after shop that sold musical instruments.

Only the Dali Temple...

More accurately, it was Zhou Xing himself.

Qiu Shenji really couldn't see through him.

This old guy is a few years older than me. I participated in the forced killing of Crown Prince Li Xian back then. This matter was too sensitive and dangerous. But Zhou Xing has a lot of blood on his hands.
Prince Li Yuanjia of Han, Prince Li Lingkui of Lu, Duke Li Zhuan of Huang, and even Princess Changle, the sister of Emperor Taizong, and her husband Zhao Gui, all died because of his framing!

If you were to ask who the Li imperial family hated most, Zhou Xing would undoubtedly be the first to be mentioned!
But this old scoundrel was so calm and composed, as if he had no fear of being killed after the hunt.

Zhou Xing remained unperturbed by Qiu Shenji's sarcasm, his expression indifferent as he slowly said, "The Imperial Guards have accomplished nothing in three days, merely wandering around in circles in this underground palace. General Qiu, the entire court is now waiting to see how you will explain yourself to Emperor Wu."

"Ah!"

Qiu Shenji's fists clenched so tightly under his heavy armor that they cracked: "Why does Minister Zhou have to laugh at someone who is only slightly better? The Martial Emperor has already ascended the throne. You and I, these 'former officials of the previous dynasty,' all have our time to 'give an account'!"

A shadow of gloom flashed in Zhou Xing's eyes, but he still smiled: "General, you are overthinking it. I heard that the Kite Guards have already gone down into the underground river?"

Qiu Shenji was too lazy to answer.

Zhou Xing muttered to himself, "Could the entrance be hidden at the bottom of the underground river? This underground palace is already gloomy, and the water in the underground river is never exposed to the light of day. Ordinary people who enter the water cannot see anything, cannot even distinguish directions, let alone find the mechanism..."

Qiu Shenji coldly replied, "This is how it is for ordinary people."

Zhou Xing understood his unspoken meaning and said with a faint smile, "The princess's male favorite has such abilities... I'd like to meet him!"

Qiu Shenji said, "If this matter succeeds, he will be a well-deserved hero, and it's probably not something you can just see whenever you want."

Zhou Xing said unhurriedly, "Not necessarily. The place where the assassin is hiding must be heavily fortified. Even if we find the entrance, Ashina Yan won't be so easy to capture..."

at this time.

A strange sound suddenly came from the depths of the underground river, like the sound of some kind of mechanism being activated.

The two turned their heads at the same time and saw strange ripples on the river surface, as if some huge creature was moving underwater.

Qiu Shenji subconsciously gripped the hilt of his sword, his breathing beneath his mask becoming heavy.

Zhou Xing still wore a smile, but the blue light at his fingertips shone even brighter.

"It seems..."

Zhou Xing said softly, "This Lord Lu has already found what he was looking for."

Everyone kept a close eye on the water's movement.

About 45 minutes later, the underground river remained unchanged, but suddenly, the sound of orderly footsteps came from above the underground palace.

Zhou Xing and Qiu Shenji turned their heads and were slightly surprised to see that a large group of Yuan Guards had arrived, and the leader was none other than Shangguan Wan'er!
Shangguan Wan'er, holding the imperial edict, walked gracefully, like a walking portrait of a court lady.

She was beautiful, but not in a flamboyant way. Her skin was like fresh snow, radiant even in the dim underground palace. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains shrouded in green, naturally dark without makeup. Her phoenix eyes were deep and profound, containing both the pride of a talented woman and the sharpness of a politician.

When she stood still, even a shrewd and calculating man like Zhou Xing unconsciously held his breath.

It wasn't her beauty, but rather her unique aura that blended scholarly refinement with power.

Like a dagger hidden in brocade, its sharpness lies concealed beneath its beauty.

Behind her, apart from a female official dressed in equally luxurious clothes, the rest were all elites from the Iris Terrace, including Qianling Ying Wuqiu, Bailing Pei Mingqian, and others, with different expressions, clearly having heard about what had happened here.

Ying Wuqiu was a master of mechanical arts and was very interested in mechanical beasts, his eyes filled with eagerness. Pei Mingqian and the others had complicated expressions. Who would have thought that the fake man who was looked down upon just a few days ago would not only become real but also participate in solving such an important case. Judging from the presence of Lord Shangguan, there must have been real progress.

Simply incredible!

“Shangguan Daizhao”.

When Zhou Xing saw Shangguan Wan'er approaching, he immediately bowed and greeted her with a refined smile. As the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, his official rank was higher than Shangguan Wan'er's, but Shangguan Wan'er was the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard and a close attendant of the Empress, in charge of drafting imperial edicts. Her position was extraordinary, so he still showed a degree of respect in his words.

Qiu Shenji, dressed in armor, could not perform a full bow, but only nodded slightly: "Shangguan Daizhao".

Shangguan Wan'er smiled and nodded in return, "Minister Zhou, General Qiu."

Her voice was clear and gentle, and although it was just a casual response, it exuded a calm and composed demeanor.

After a few brief pleasantries, the three fell silent. Shangguan Wan'er had come on imperial orders, and Zhou Xing and Qiu Shenji each had their own duties. They understood each other implicitly and awaited the outcome beneath the dark river.

"Wow!"

Suddenly, water splashed everywhere in the underground river. Lu Chenyuan was the first to leap out, his red feather robes completely dry except for his wet hair.

Xie Tingyun and Wang Yizhi followed closely behind. The four bronze corpses carried the remaining people ashore: Ashina Yan, Hui Yeqing, Xue Wushe, and Tielekun, who had already breathed his last.

Seeing this, Zhou Xing was secretly alarmed; they had really caught them!

Qiu Shenji's face grew increasingly grim. The rebels, whom the Golden Guards had searched three feet into the ground for three days without finding, had been wiped out in one fell swoop by this mere Second Realm expert!
Shangguan Wan'er was obviously already aware of the situation and was not surprised. Her gaze swept over everyone, lingering briefly on Lu Chenyuan.

"Xie Tingyun, the Thousand Feathers of the Kite Guard, pays respects to the Deputy Commander." Xie Tingyun clasped his hands in a salute.

Lu Chenyuan then cupped his hands in greeting: "Lu Chenyuan of Bailing greets the Deputy Commander."

Shangguan Wan'er was looking at him, and he was looking at Shangguan Wan'er.

This person is very famous.

According to historical records, Shangguan Wan'er was sent to the inner palace as a child because her grandfather Shangguan Yi was convicted of a crime. She gained the favor of Empress Wu Zetian with her talent, took charge of imperial edicts, and became very powerful. She was known as the "female prime minister". However, she was eventually killed by Li Longji because she was involved in political struggles, and her ending was tragic.

However, this person is not very honest.

Lu Chenyuan had specifically studied the history of the Tang Dynasty and knew some "little-known facts" from historical books, which greatly impressed him.

—After the Shenlong Coup, Emperor Zhongzong was restored to the throne. Shangguan Wan'er entered Li Xian's harem and became Zhaorong. Later, she had an affair with Wu Sansi. Wu Sansi also had an affair with Li Xian's empress, Empress Wei, and even had an affair in front of him... In short, they had all kinds of affairs, and their relationships were extremely complicated.

Princess Taiping kept male lovers, and this close friend had an affair; both were quite avant-garde.

"..." Shangguan Wan'er had been paying attention to his expression, and noticed that his reaction was a bit strange, as if he even seemed to admire it.

What was he praising?
Shangguan Wan'er, puzzled, withdrew her gaze and slowly unfurled the imperial edict: "His Majesty has decreed—"

Everyone knelt down.

"Your Excellency: Ashina Yan, a remnant of the Turkic tribes, has been hiding in the Central Plains, plotting rebellion and attempting to seize the treasures of the Central Plains to destabilize the state. Lu Chenyuan, Xie Tingyun, and Wang Yizhi of Yuantai were ordered to suppress the rebellion, breaching the city walls and breaking the siege; their loyalty and bravery are commendable. Now, in recognition of their merits, rewards are to be distributed. The imperial edict reads—"

Lu Chenyuan and the other two were invigorated.

"Lu Chenyuan, with his keen insight and skill in dismantling mechanisms, is specially appointed as the fifth-rank leader of the Suiming Pavilion, and awarded the second rank of the Imperial Guard (Note: merits are archived, and three rank upgrades are required for promotion). He is also bestowed with two fifth-rank secret manuals from the Xuanji Pavilion, three sixth-rank spiritual weapons, a set of golden silk soft armor, and a purple robe to recognize his merits."

"Xie Tingyun is a skilled commander and makes decisive decisions in battle. He is hereby granted the title of Fourth-Rank Imperial Inspector of the Yuantai Pavilion, and is bestowed with two Fifth-Rank Secret Manuals from the Xuanji Pavilion, three thousand-year-old blood ginseng roots, and an Imperial Purple Gold Tortoise Talisman, as a sign of imperial favor."

"Wang Yizhi's zither music dispelled illusions, and his use of musical techniques helped him defeat the enemy. He was promoted to the sixth rank of the Yuantai Academy with a hundred feathers, and was bestowed with a fifth-rank secret manual from the Xuanji Pavilion and three volumes of imperial zither scores to encourage his talent."

Lu Chenyuan was a little disappointed.

It's a pity it's not the "Gold-Swallowing Treasure Manual," but two fifth-grade secret manuals and three sixth-grade spiritual weapons mean the effort wasn't in vain.

At least enough to break through the realm.

After she finished reading, Lu Chenyuan was about to express his gratitude when he heard Shangguan Wan'er continue reading: "Another reward: Each of the three will be awarded a thousand gold pieces, twenty bolts of Shu brocade, and a residence adjacent to Princess Lu Chenyuan's residence. This proclamation is hereby issued to all within and outside the country, so that all may know. The fourteenth day of the tenth month of the first year of the Tian Shou era of the Great Zhou Dynasty."

???

Lu Chenyuan froze, his body going numb.

The others were stunned after hearing this, and all their eyes were fixed on Lu Chenyuan, filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred.

A smile flashed in Wang Yizhi's eyes, and Xie Tingyun couldn't help but chuckle as well.

"What do you mean by 'the princess's residence is adjacent to another mansion'? And you even issued a proclamation both domestically and internationally, so that everyone would know..."

Lu Chenyuan's face was numb, and he could only follow the other two in expressing his gratitude: "Your Majesty, we kowtow in thanks to the Emperor's grace, and wish Your Majesty a long and prosperous life!"

Shangguan Wan'er took in Lu Chenyuan's reaction and her lips curled up almost imperceptibly.

She gracefully closed the imperial edict, her fingertips lightly stroking the yellow silk, her voice carrying a hint of knowing mischief: "Lord Lu, do you have any objections to the rewards?"

"I don't dare to do this in a humble position."

Lu Chenyuan immediately became serious: "However... this humble servant is apprehensive, fearing that I may fail to live up to Your Majesty's high expectations."

Shangguan Wan'er chuckled: "The Suiming Pavilion is a crucial location within the Inner Guard. Although the Pavilion Commander is only a fifth-rank official, he is in charge of all the ingenious mechanisms and craftsmanship in the land. The Heavenly Net, the Crossbow, and the Soul-Chasing Lock used by the Inner Guard to hunt down bandits all originated from its furnace; the 'Fire-Washed Brocade' that the Crimson Feather Robe uses is impervious to water and fire, and the standard weapons of the Imperial Guards' elite troops also need to be tempered in the Pavilion. From this day forward, this important location will be in your hands! Pavilion Commander Lu, you must not disappoint His Majesty and the Princess."

Lu Chenyuan could only reply, "Please inform His Majesty that I have been entrusted with this important task, and I dare not fail to do my utmost!"

Shangguan Wan'er nodded in satisfaction and continued, "And there's one more crucial point..."

She looked at the underground river, her gaze seemingly piercing through the dark waters to see the hidden mechanical city below: "His Majesty has bestowed the mechanical city upon Her Highness the Princess. The secrets of its mechanisms and magic must be examined and recorded by the Suiming Pavilion. Thank you for your trouble."

Lu Chenyuan was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening.

It turned out to be the case.

So you're trying to get something for free!
You think this lowly fifth-rank official can make me go to great lengths to decipher the "Four Symbols Revolving Heart Wheel" and help you obtain the "Heavenly Craft Scroll"?
It's a beautiful thought.

Lu Chenyuan felt relieved, but secretly thought to himself, "I thought there was some kind of conspiracy, but it turns out this is the plan. If it were a young and passionate person, being given a house, a secret manual, and a promotion would probably make him so happy that he would be overjoyed and would definitely do anything to repay the kindness shown to him."

such a pity.

This trick doesn't work on me!
Of course, he still wore an expression of utmost dedication, and said as if making a vow, "I will do my utmost!"

Shangguan Wan'er was increasingly satisfied. She turned to the crowd and said, "From this moment on, this place will be under the control of the Imperial Guards. No one may enter without the Emperor's special permission. Anyone who disobeys will be executed without mercy!"

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines.

Shangguan Wan'er said, "If you gentlemen have nothing else to do, I will take the prisoners back to Yuantai to report."

With a flick of her sleeve, she gestured for the guards to escort the prisoners: "The three meritorious officials will return to the Iris Terrace with me. Yan Bingning."

The female official in white bowed and said, "Your subordinate is here."

Shangguan Wan'er said, "You will lead the Kite Guards to take over the Mechanized City and guard this place. No one is allowed to enter without permission!"

Yan Bingning replied neither servilely nor arrogantly, "I accept the order."

……

The guards escorted the prisoners in a procession.

Shangguan Wan'er walked with ease, leading Lu Chenyuan and the others through the streets and alleys, heading north from Luonan Congshanfang.

They took a secluded official road, with high walls and deep courtyards on both sides. Occasionally, patrolling soldiers would pass by, but upon seeing the flags of the Kite Guards, they would all retreat. Before long, the group arrived at Zhengpingfang, near the Kite Terrace.

However, Shangguan Wan'er did not go straight to the Iris Terrace, but instead turned to a quiet alleyway on the east side of the Princess's Mansion.

"Lord Lu."

She suddenly spoke, her gaze shifting slightly as she pointed to a newly built mansion not far away.

The house wasn't grand, but it was extremely exquisite, with blue bricks and gray tiles, upturned eaves, and a pair of majestic stone lions in front of the gate. The copper nails on the vermilion gate gleamed, indicating that it had just been completed not long ago.

"This house was originally bestowed upon Lord Lou Shide by His Majesty."

Shangguan Wan'er spoke with respect: "The original intention of building this house here was to facilitate the protection of the Yuanwei Guard, but Lord Lou declined, saying, 'I prefer simplicity and my old house is sufficient.' His Majesty, considering your meritorious service this time, has specially bestowed this house upon you, and you may move in immediately."

Lou Shide...

Lu Chenyuan was slightly taken aback. Before he could speak, Shangguan Wan'er smiled and said, "Lord Lu's reward has been delivered to your residence. You might as well go and take a look first. It's not too late to report on your duties tomorrow."

Since she had said so, Lu Chenyuan didn't stand on ceremony. He clasped his hands in farewell to the crowd, left the group, and headed towards the residence.

Come to the door.

Lu Chenyuan took a deep breath, pushed open the door and entered. He was greeted by an exquisite screen wall, which was carved with a picture of pine trees and cranes symbolizing longevity. The brushwork was delicate and clearly the work of a master. After passing the screen wall, he saw a small courtyard with a delicate rockery, lush flowers and trees, and a blue stone path that meandered to the main hall.

The plaque above the main hall bears the three characters "Jingguantang" in a powerful and vigorous style. Pushing open the door, one finds the hall elegantly furnished, complete with sandalwood tables and chairs, and celadon tea sets.

On the table in the main hall were several brocade boxes. The imperial decree's rewards, except for the secret manuals and spiritual weapons which needed to be chosen by the Emperor himself at the Xuanji Pavilion, included gold and silver, Shu brocade, gold-threaded soft armor, purple robes, and the tokens of the Suiming Pavilion, all of which were neatly arranged.

however.

The most eye-catching item is a rosewood box on the table.

Lu Chenyuan's heart stirred slightly. He walked over and opened the wooden box, where a copy of the "Gold-Swallowing Treasure Book," sealed with black iron, lay quietly.

This is the second chapter, "The Chapter on Forging Gold"!
Beneath the book lay a sheet of plain paper, the handwriting clear and neat:

"Golden spears are easily broken, but silk strings last a long time. This skill is harmful to the body, and one must use cold jade to calm the meridians. It has already been placed in the west wing."

There was no signature, only a crescent-shaped silver line drawn on the corner of the paper.

(End of this chapter)