Immortal Dynasty Hounds

Chapter 100 The Kind-Hearted Aunt, the Crown Princess's Secret
"The King of Hell's Decree and the Peace Talisman were both hot topics in the martial arts world twenty years ago. In recent years, the King of Hell's Decree still occasionally resurfaces, but the Peace Talisman has mysteriously disappeared. I never expected it to appear here. Doctor Lianshan, where did you get this Peace Talisman from?"

Zhang Aniu turned around and looked at Lianshan Jingcheng meaningfully.

Lian Shan Jingcheng looked completely bewildered: "My lord, what are you talking about?"

"You carry the scent of someone I once knew."

Zhang Aniu did not recognize Lianshan Jingcheng, but he smelled a familiar scent: "When I investigated Xiaoxin's information before, I overlooked you."

Given Tianjian's level, he certainly wouldn't personally investigate Lian Shanxin's family circumstances; that's something his subordinates do.

Lian Shanjingcheng's information appears to be without any problems.

Until Tianjian received the Empress's letter from Shenjing.

He then personally went to investigate.

Then they discovered that there was nothing wrong with Lian Shanxin's background; it was just that Wang Chanpo's death was too coincidental.

Of course, the midwife was already seriously ill, and it was normal for her to die any day now.

He just happened to die in the last two days.

Zhang Aniu knew that even if he believed it was just a coincidence, the Empress Dowager and Emperor Yongchang would most likely not believe it.

Especially after the amulet was found at the midwife's house.

Not to mention the Empress and Emperor Yongchang, even he felt that it was as if someone was manipulating things behind the scenes.

"Xiao Xin told me before that the village where the doctor from Lianshan came from encountered a plague, and he was saved by a doctor with superb medical skills, and even learned a lot of medical skills from him?" Zhang Aniu asked.

He hadn't thought much about it before.

There are countless extraordinary encounters in the martial arts world. When he was a child, he encountered two masters who agreed to fight to the death and both were seriously injured. As a result, he got lucky and found a martial arts manual on the corpse, thus embarking on the path of the Heavenly Sword.

In contrast, Lian Shanjingcheng's experience was quite ordinary.

But after seeing Lian Shan Jingcheng in person, Zhang Aniu began to speculate about the identity of the doctor Lian Shan Jingcheng had met.

Lian Shan Jingcheng only realized it at this moment: "You are Xiao Xin's superior in Jiutian?"

"I am the Heavenly Sword."

Lian Shan Jingcheng was taken aback and hurriedly bowed.

Zhang Aniu narrowed his eyes slightly: "Your qi and blood are not fluctuating at all, so you are not really nervous. There is no need to be so polite."

Lian Shan Jingcheng: "..."

"I have a good impression of Xiao Xin. He's a capable boy, just a bit too bold. Don't worry, I mean you no harm. Describe to me the appearance of the doctor who saved you back then, and I might be able to help you find your savior."

Lian Shan Jingcheng said with shame, "It has been too long since my master left. I can hardly remember his voice and appearance anymore. I only remember that he had a full head of black hair, but his temples were gray."

Zhang Aniu's expression clearly showed emotion: "Is there more?"

“My mentor also gave me several amulets, including this one for the midwife. He said it had been blessed by a monk at a temple and could protect people.”

Zhang Aniu suddenly made a move, carefully exploring Lian Shanjingcheng's face for a moment.

"There is no human skin mask."

Zhang Aniu seemed to be deep in thought.

Without a human skin mask, unless it is a thousand faces personally disguising themselves, no one should be able to escape his discerning eyes.

"Lord Tianjian, what are you doing?"

Lian Shanjingcheng took a step back, crossed his arms, and looked clearly wary.

Zhang Aniu: "...Don't worry, I'm not interested in you. I just want to confirm your identity. The village where you were born has been completely wiped out by the plague, so it's difficult to verify your identity."

After a pause, Zhang Aniu's tone became meaningful again: "This kind of identity is the most suitable for impersonation."

Lian Shan Jingcheng frowned: "Lord Tianjian, who would impersonate a village shepherd? I am not a high-ranking person like you, my identity is meaningless."

"is it?"

Zhang Aniu remained noncommittal.

As one of the Nine Heavens, he had seen far too many strange and unusual things.

Impersonation and living by borrowing someone else's life were not particularly sophisticated operations in his eyes.

However, Zhang Aniu was too lazy to bother with the task until he had any evidence to prove that Lian Shan Jingcheng's identity was questionable.

"Out of consideration for our old friendship and for Xiao Xin's sake, I'm giving you a heads-up. Although I don't know why, I received a letter from above asking me to investigate Xiao Xin's background."

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Aniu decided to reveal some inside information to Lian Shanjingcheng.

Jiang Ping'an, who made the "peace charm," had treated his wife's illness years ago, and he owed Jiang Ping'an a favor.

Lian Shan Jingcheng looked completely bewildered: "What's wrong with Xiao Xin's background?"

“Originally there was no problem, but unfortunately, the midwife Wang died, and now there is a problem even if there was none, unless you can prove that you are Xiao Xin’s biological father,” Zhang Aniu said.

Lian Shan Jingcheng laughed angrily: "Do I need to prove that I'm his father? How can I prove that?"

Zhang Aniu shrugged: "That's something you need to consider. The higher-ups just want the results."

Lian Shan Jingcheng: "..."

At this moment, Lian Shan Jingcheng thought of what Lian Shan Xin had said to him a few days ago.

"Father, if one day the court comes to investigate my background, just insist that I am your biological son. But if they ask you to provide evidence to prove that I am your son, just pretend to be angry and laugh."

Lian Shan Jingcheng was so angry he laughed on the spot: "Do you need proof that you were born from me? How can I prove it?"

Lian Shanxin said, "Father, you still have too little experience."

At that time, Lian Shan Jingcheng did not quite understand why Lian Shan Xin said that.

At that moment, he suddenly understood.

"It seems you can't produce any solid evidence," Zhang Aniu said, shaking his head.

This was what he expected.

"In that case, I will report the truth. Rest assured, you and your wife should be in no danger. Heaven does not punish family members. Unless Xiao Xin commits a crime that leads to the extermination of nine generations in the capital, you will not be implicated."

Zhang Aniu's intention was to comfort Lian Shan Jingcheng.

But after hearing Zhang Aniu's words of comfort, Lian Shan Jingcheng instantly became very nervous.

Knowing son Moruo father.

Based on his understanding of Lian Shanxin, this brat was truly capable of committing a heinous act that could lead to the extermination of nine generations of his family.

"By the way, I heard that Doctor Lianshan is a master healer in Jiangzhou, especially skilled at restoring men to health."

Zhang Aniu's sudden change of topic surprised Lian Shanjingcheng: "Even a Grandmaster can't do it?"

Zhang Aniu remained calm. Only those who are incompetent are sensitive; someone as strong as him doesn't care about such doubts.

"I am acting on someone's behalf, Doctor Lianshan. If there is a patient who needs your consultation in the capital, would you be willing to go?"

Lian Shan Jingcheng shook his head: "Forget it, the capital is too far away. If the divine doctors there can't cure it, I certainly can't either. I won't embarrass myself."

“That’s true.” Zhang Aniu didn’t insist.

Eunuch Wang sent him a letter through the inner court, asking him to search for a renowned physician in Jiangzhou and go to the capital to consult with a high-ranking official who wished to remain anonymous.

Zhang Aniu laughed after reading it, thinking to himself, "Isn't this just a consultation for His Majesty?"

That Thousand Faces fellow is truly remarkable; even the Heavenly Physician couldn't cure His Majesty's illness.

But what's the use of seeking out the divine physician of Jiangzhou if the Heavenly Physician can't cure the disease?

Zhang Aniu hadn't taken it to heart at first.

Until today, I saw the peace charm.

He suddenly realized that if the Heavenly Doctor alone couldn't cure an illness, with Jiang Ping'an's help, it might actually be possible to defy fate and change destiny.

After all, back then, Jiang Ping'an was already known as "the enemy of Yama" even before he became a Grandmaster.

"Don't give away the amulet that the miracle doctor gave you back then so carelessly. It's a life-saving treasure, but also a death warrant," Zhang Aniu warned.

Lian Shan Jingcheng was taken aback: "Why is it a death warrant from the King of Hell?"

"Because Yama is the nemesis of my old friend. If Yama finds out about the whereabouts of the peace charm, he might come to Jiangzhou for a visit. At that time, I may not be able to protect you."

Lian Shan Jingcheng's face turned pale: "That Yama King who betrayed the Demonic Sect?"

"Yes, even in the hands of the Demonic Sect leader, Yama managed to escape. He repeatedly escaped from the Demonic Sect's pursuit. He was not tolerated by either the righteous or the demonic paths, yet he still roamed the martial world with impunity. Twenty years ago, Yama was already the number one killing god in the martial world. The only time he failed was when my old friend saved the person he was about to kill."

At this point, Zhang Aniu looked at Lianshan Jingcheng again: "Speaking of which, as one of the four elders of the former Demonic Sect, what Yama looks like is also a secret."

Lian Shan Jingcheng: "My lord, what are you expecting?"

Zhang Aniu chuckled to himself.

Yes, what am I expecting?
Jiangzhou is already lively enough; there's no need for me to cause trouble.

……

When Lian Shan Jingcheng returned to Huichuntang, he was surprised to find He Miaojun entertaining guests.

"Madam, who is this...?"

"My lord, he has come to see you."

"Looking for me? Are you here for a medical consultation?"

"I suppose so. My young master has some health problems, but it's inconvenient for him to come in person for treatment. Doctor Lianshan, would you mind if we could meet here to discuss this further?"

"of course."

Lian Shan Jingcheng understood perfectly; people who are impotent in that area generally don't want others to know.

There are quite a few people who avoid seeking medical treatment because they don't want to talk about their illness.

It's already quite kind of him to have someone else come and see the doctor for him.

However, after talking with this person in detail, Lian Shan Jingcheng realized that something was wrong.

Holding the description of the young master's physical condition written on the other party's paper, as well as the diagnostic reports given by other doctors, Lian Shan Jingcheng quickly made a judgment: "It seems that your young master is congenitally weak, rather than suffering from an acquired disease, so the 'Rejuvenation Pill' I made is probably ineffective for the young master in your household."

Although he had already guessed this possibility, the other party still showed disappointment on his face: "Dr. Lianshan, I have heard that you are most skilled in healing the sick. Do you have any other ways to treat this? My young master and young mistress are very much in love. It would be a real pity if they were to be at odds because of this."

“I understand, I am very empathetic, but problems brought on in the womb are difficult to change with medical techniques after birth, unless there are legendary rare and precious herbs to cleanse his marrow and essence, such as a thousand-year-old snow lotus.”

The conclusion given by Lian Shan Jingcheng made the other party look at him with new respect: "Doctor Lian Shan actually knows about the thousand-year-old snow lotus. Ordinary doctors don't know about such a divine object."

Lian Shan Jingcheng humbly replied, "I have heard of it, but I have never seen it with my own eyes."

"It's already impressive that you've even heard of it. What you said makes perfect sense. It's a pity that thousand-year-old snow lotuses are so hard to find."

"The century-old snow lotus can also provide relief, but matters of the heart still need to be considered. May I ask, does the young mistress know martial arts?"

"Grandmaster level cultivation."

Lian Shan Jingcheng smiled wryly, "In that case, sexual relations are even more impossible. The bodies of grandmasters are already perfectly formed, and if your son wants to break through the gap, his body needs to be even stronger. Unfortunately, even if your son practices martial arts, it is difficult for him to improve his physical strength, which will always be his weakness."

"Dr. Lianshan hit the nail on the head." The other party sighed, "If anyone can cure my young master's illness, there will be a generous reward."

Lian Shan Jingcheng shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, I'm really not very knowledgeable. This kind of congenital disease is beyond my ability to solve. It's already lucky that I can see through it."

"In that case, I apologize for bothering you, Dr. Lianshan. Here is your consultation fee."

The man took out five silver notes, pushed them in front of Lianshan Jingcheng, and said in a deep voice, "I hope Doctor Lianshan will pretend I never came and not mention it to anyone else in the future, is that alright?"

"Of course, as a doctor, I cannot disclose the patient's condition, especially since I don't know which young master in your household is."

"Dr. Lianshan's medical ethics and skills are both outstanding. He truly deserves to be called the master of Jiangzhou. Goodbye."

"I'll see you off."

Lian Shan Jingcheng personally escorted the other party away from Huichuntang.

After turning around, his expression turned serious.

"Husband, what's wrong?" He Miaojun noticed that something was wrong with Lianshan Jingcheng.

Lian Shan Jingcheng hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped. "You want to hide it from me?" He Miaojun's eyes flashed with a dangerous light.

Lian Shan Jingcheng immediately said, "That person just now had a scent of incense on him."

"What's wrong?" He Miaojun asked in confusion, "Nowadays, both men and women love to use incense."

"Madam, you know that my sense of smell is very keen."

He Miaojun nodded.

Lian Shan Jingcheng not only has a keen sense of smell, but he is also proficient in all four aspects of diagnosis: observation, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation. Otherwise, he would not have become the renowned physician of Jiangzhou.

"I could smell a peculiar scent beneath the surface of the incense."

"What is the taste?"

"Smells like urine."

Lian Shanjingcheng and He Miaojun looked at each other in bewilderment.

After a moment, He Miaojun realized: "People from the palace?"

There aren't many people who like incense but also have the smell of urine on their bodies.

The most typical example is the eunuch.

Lian Shan Jingcheng recalled carefully: "The man just now had a fair complexion and no beard, and he really looked like a palace eunuch."

"Why would a palace eunuch come to visit you?" He Miaojun asked, puzzled. "Has your reputation already reached the capital?"

Even Shan Jingcheng didn't understand: "Madam, you know that I have always practiced medicine in Jiangzhou and have never been to the capital. Could it be that my previous patients have been spreading the word among themselves?"

He Miaojun suddenly felt a little guilty.

Could it have been leaked from Miaoyinfang?
and many more……

"My lord, were those people from the Crown Prince's palace just now?"

“He is naturally weak, so he should be the crown prince.” Lian Shan Jingcheng said, “Hmm… Madam, I think I have discovered a big secret.”

At this point, Lian Shanjingcheng trembled.

"Crown Prince, Crown Princess... How can the Crown Prince, in his current state, be a ruler? Does Your Majesty know the truth?"

There are three unfilial acts, the greatest of which is having no offspring—this saying was politically correct in the ancient feudal world.

This was especially true for the Crown Prince.

If the princelings knew that the prince was unable to have sex and could not father children, they would definitely scatter in all directions.

Emperor Yongchang would not hesitate for a moment to depose the crown prince.

He Miaojun's body trembled as she understood Lian Shan Jingcheng's meaning: "Husband, the Crown Prince... he can't have sex?"

"If what I just saw about the body is real, then theoretically it's impossible. Judging from what that person said, it's indeed impossible."

He Miaojun's voice began to tremble: "But wasn't the Crown Princess just pregnant? I remember seeing this news in the official gazette."

The Imperial Gazette (邸报) was initially an official news compilation used by the imperial court to disseminate government documents and political intelligence. Its contents included the emperor's daily life, imperial edicts, appointments and removals of officials, and memorials to the throne. In its early stages, it circulated only within the court. However, two hundred years ago, its distribution began to extend to the common people and merchants. After Emperor Yongchang ascended the throne, he simply expanded the distribution of the Imperial Gazette to include merchants and commoners in the marketplace.

The two looked at each other.

Lian Shan Jingcheng sighed, "No wonder the rumors in the martial arts world say that the Crown Prince knelt before the Heavenly Physician's gate begging for treatment, but the Heavenly Physician refused to open the door. Now it seems that the Heavenly Physician truly possesses great wisdom. There are some illnesses that are indeed beyond treatment. I do not have that wisdom, and I am far inferior to the Heavenly Physician."

He Miaojun gritted her teeth and said, "No, I have to write a letter to Xiaoxin and tell him to come back as soon as possible after he has resolved the matter in Shenjing City. Shenjing City is too dangerous."

This glimpse of the celestial palace was enough to ignite a massive conflict within the court and among the people.

……

Lian Shanxin, whom He Miaojun and Lian Shanjingcheng were worried about, was already standing in front of Miaoyinfang.

He appeared as an ordinary passerby.

"Sir, would you like to take on a mission, or register to become a member of the Night's Watch?"

Upon entering Miaoyinfang, a maid immediately came to greet us.

Lian Shanxin said in a deep voice, "I have made an appointment."

Lianshan Xin circulated the Myriad Manifestations True Qi.

As long as Qianmian is in Miaoyinfang, he will definitely be able to detect him.

Just moments later, Xiaohe appeared in Lianshanxin's sight.

"Abi, this is the Night Watchman I recruited. I can take him to accept missions."

"So you're Sister Xiaohe's customer."

Abi's gaze toward Lian Shanxin immediately turned one of deep awe.

This made Lian Shanxin realize that "Xiao He" held an unusual position in Miaoyinfang.

"Guest, please come upstairs with me."

Xiaohe led the way, and Lian Shanxin looked at it carefully, wanting to try to activate his passive talent.

But all I saw was Xiao He gracefully swaying her waist.

"What did you see?"

A familiar voice came from a thousand faces.

Lian Shanxin, using a string of words as a guide, tentatively asked, "I can see that Lord Thousand Faces is unparalleled in his ability to disguise himself as a woman."

Thousand Faces chuckled lightly: "How do you know I'm not a woman?"

Lian Shanxin truly did not know.

Seeing that Qianmian avoided answering, Lian Shanxin then asked his second question: "What did you do to His Majesty?"

Thousand Faces replied casually, "It should have severed his roots of trouble, but unfortunately, Emperor Yongchang reacted too quickly, preventing me from achieving complete success. If his strength had been slightly weaker, he would have been completely defeated by me this time. What a pity, what a pity."

Lian Shanxin gasped.

No wonder the top-ranked guy has been so irritable lately.

If it were him who encountered this kind of thing... ugh, he would never encounter this kind of thing.

"You're a complete scoundrel! Of all places to attack, why did you have to attack there?" Lian Shanxin said with heartache. "I was hoping he would have more children."

These are all his cultivation materials.

Qianmian knew that Lianshan Xin was from the "Chosen One Lineage," so it wasn't surprising that he treated Lianshan Xin this way.

He said calmly, "Emperor Yongchang has already had enough children, enough for your cultivation. However, if you want to master the immortal arts, the best way is to completely side with our Holy Sect and help us change dynasties. You will then be able to ascend to heaven in one step, and even become a terrestrial immortal."

Lian Shanxin said, "If your pie can come true completely, then there is definitely hope."

It is definitely more profitable to support an opposition party to become the ruling party than to support a candidate within the ruling party itself.

However, it is also more difficult.

Lian Shanxin did not want to challenge the hellish difficulty.

Compared to siding with a cult, it's much easier to get sponsorship from the top influencer.

Qianmian was not in a hurry to get Lianshanxin to express his opinion. In his eyes, Lianshanxin had been completely tricked into joining the Holy Sect. The only thing that was that his mindset had not yet changed.

Emperor Yongchang's daughter and his mistress were both murdered by the two of them. What can Lianshan Xin do to be loyal to the court?
Thinking about this, Qianmian felt quite relaxed.

“I’m going to take you to meet someone. You’re sure to see something in her.”

"Who?"

"He Miaoyin, the owner of Miaoyin Workshop."

"What wonderful sound?" Lian Shanxin stopped in his tracks.

Xiao He turned around, looking at Lian Shanxin with a half-smile, and repeated in her voice transmission, "He Miaoyin."

Lian Shanxin's breathing quickened noticeably.

Before coming to the capital, He Miaojun told him about Lady Miaoyin.

However, she did not tell him that Lady Miaoyin's surname was He.

The surname He is very sensitive.

Qianmian thought the same way.

"It seems you don't know her. That's interesting. In that case, you should observe her more closely."

Qianmian pushed open the door to He Miaoyin's room.

"My lady, someone has come looking for you, saying they have a past relationship with you."

"Do you have a past with me?"

He Miaoyin's gaze swept past Xiao He and turned to Lian Shanxin with a puzzled look.

"Do you know me?"

Lian Shanxin now has the face of a stranger, whom He Miaoyin has never seen before.

Lian Shanxin covered his face with his sleeve, and after a moment, he revealed his true face and took the initiative to bow to He Miaoyin: "Junior Lian Shanxin has come to pay his respects to Lady Miaoyin."

"Are you Xiaoxin? My sister's child?"

He Miaoyin was taken aback, then walked over with delight and grabbed Lian Shanxin's hand: "Good boy, how is your sister?"

"My mother's health is much better than before."

"That's good. Your mother and I are very close, like sisters. You can call me Auntie from now on. Miaoyinfang will be your home from now on."

Lian Shanxin was deeply moved.

Then they launched "Tianyan Check".

A moment later, Lian Shanxin's heart sank slightly.

no response.

Miaoyin Niangzi's strength far surpasses that of Tian Ji.

He now only has one more chance to actively use "Tianyan Check".

If he keeps throwing money at He Miaoyin, and fails again, he will lose everything.

Looking at his kind and amiable aunt, Lian Shanxin hesitated for a moment, then silently used "Tianyan Check" again.

Trust is worth a fortune.

In the unfamiliar capital city, the consequences of trusting the wrong person are far too great.

And there's also a thousand faces watching from the side.

If Qianmian discovers that Lianshan Xinlian couldn't even see through a mere Miaoyin Niangzi, he might have some doubts.

This is something Lianshanxin cannot allow.

Fortunately, Lian Shanxin quickly breathed a sigh of relief.

The scene before him changed rapidly.

In a place shrouded in darkness.

Miaoyin Niangzi, dressed in a black outfit, is meeting with a person who is hiding in the shadows.

"Where's the medicine?"

Lady Miaoyin said, "There won't be any more."

"Why?"

"Thousand-year-old snow lotuses are hard to find, so we've given up. There's no need to continue drugging the Crown Prince."

Lian Shanxin's heart was filled with turbulent waves.

(End of this chapter)