Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

Shen Qingci was speechless; this emperor was truly strange.

He seems to really know how...

The beginning was one thing, but good heavens, now it's like walking on lotus blossoms and auspicious clouds.

Why don't you become an immortal?

Such a flamboyant entrance, in a society where divine authority is strong and destiny is emphasized, naturally has an extraordinary effect.

Some people even reached out their hands tremblingly, trying to touch the auspicious cloud.

Most people do not know Chen Shao, but they know that he must be the current emperor.

They all knelt down in a flurry.

Only the Four Sages of Meishan remained, standing there abruptly.

The four of them combined are at least 300 years old.

Chen Yuan had long favored them, which shows that the emperor does not kneel.

It's okay not to kneel before the Emperor, but you have to kneel before the God, right?

Chen Shao added a reminder:

"I am ordained by Heaven."

The four gentlemen then realized what was happening and reluctantly knelt down.

Despite their advanced age, the four men are still in good health thanks to their years of self-cultivation and enjoyment of nature.

He doesn't need anyone to help him kneel down.

But in his heart he was confused, for the Six Ding and Six Jia were just legends.

But Chen Shao's auspicious cloud... actually happened right in front of us.

They read the classics and the teachings of Confucius, who said, "The Master did not speak of strange phenomena, physical prowess, disorder, or spirits." They exhausted all their learning but could not explain this supernatural event.

What's the point of debating this? This is a complete annihilation.

Chen Shao stood with his hands behind his back. "Now I'm asking you, is it true or false?"

Gu Tingzhi looked confused, unsure how to answer.

Chen Shao's gaze swept over everyone present, and no one dared to accept.

"If you won't tell me, I will tell you myself."

"Whether it's Taoist magic or supernatural powers, they are all external things. Their core essence is nothing more than... saving all living beings with a single thought."

"I ask you, did I succeed in saving him?"

"If they were saved, then it's true."

"The reason I went to such great lengths to personally demonstrate this is simply to teach you a lesson."

"Learn by doing!"

"Cultivating the Dao can benefit all people if done well, and studying well can also benefit all people."

"If you love beauty or hate a foul odor, once you start to think about it, you've already severed your ties with your own desires."

"The universe is vast in the books of sages and worthies, but it is not as real as a sword strike from the city wall."

The four of them were already drenched in sweat.

My whole body was incredibly itchy.

Having remained secluded for many years, he was about to utter a statement that would astound the world, but first he was subjected to a severe scolding by Shen Qingci, and then he was dealt a heavy blow by His Majesty.

But His Majesty had a warm smile and a gentle tone.

Compared to them, we are clearly inferior.

"It is because we are ignorant and narrow-minded. Your Majesty is destined by Heaven and has a far-reaching vision. We dare to question Your Majesty. Please punish us."

"I don't blame you for your doubts; I am a magnanimous person."

Chen Shao waved his hand and laughed:

"Today, we are filled with distinguished guests, all of whom are exemplary figures in the academic world. It is a good opportunity for me to establish a new rule."

"Anyone who dares to point out my faults to my face will receive the highest reward; anyone who submits a written remonstrance against my faults will receive a medium reward; anyone who dares to criticize me in the marketplace or court, and whose words reach my ears, will receive the lowest reward."

"I am very pleased with the performance of the four gentlemen today, and they deserve a high reward."

"Tonight, you shall all ascend the tower with me to admire the lanterns, share a table and drink together, and enjoy the joy of this Mid-Autumn Festival reunion."

These words caused an uproar in the room.

Everyone looked at the four gentlemen with envy, for to be able to sit with His Majesty was such an honor.

The four of them kowtowed together:

"This old man is ashamed, but thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."

In the next room, Bai Bingbing frowned.

"When did His Majesty become so magnanimous? This doesn't seem like his usual style."

"This old man clearly has ill intentions. He was even a confidant of the former emperor. What's going on?"

Huang Chao stood next to him.

He chuckled upon hearing this:

"Commander, His Majesty's move is quite significant."

"Um?"

"What I just heard was that anyone who dares to contradict His Majesty will be severely punished."

"Those who submit memorials to Your Majesty to remonstrate against your faults will be subject to moderate punishment; those who dare to slander or criticize Your Majesty in the marketplace or court, and whose words reach Your Majesty's ears, will be subject to severe punishment."

"These people have ulterior motives. They are stirring up trouble at such a critical moment for the Great Yan Dynasty. They must not be allowed to live."

"What do you mean?" Bai Bingbing's heart skipped a beat.

"In a peaceful and prosperous era, His Majesty might spare them, but now... they will surely die in an accident tonight!"

"Your Majesty could cry a few more times and frame someone..."

Bai Bingbing gave him a deep look.

This kid is quite something.

No wonder His Majesty treats him so differently.

If Huang Chao hadn't lost his looks, she would have suspected that Chen Shao was gay.

......

Chen Shao led the way, taking the four sages of Meilin with him, and they headed towards the lantern viewing platform, chatting and laughing, their behavior very intimate.

The lantern viewing platform is located next to the Prime Minister's Mansion on Zhuque Street.

This is the largest private residence in the capital, situated on high ground with five or six layers of wooden steps.

Chen Shao led the Four Sages of the Plum Grove onto the stage, and warmly took Gu Tingzhi's hand, inviting him to sit to his left.

The people below the stage looked up at the high platform.

The young emperor was seen chatting and laughing with four highly respected elders.

The lights illuminated the clinking of glasses, creating a scene of harmonious coexistence between the emperor and his ministers, a picture of a prosperous and peaceful era.

On the street, a huge light truck was slowly driving towards the light viewing platform.

The light truck was three stories high, which was quite spectacular.

Below the car stood dozens of men, their eyes sharp.

The hidden compartments at the bottom of the lanterns were filled with swords and torches.

It was the Yellow Turban Army that had infiltrated the city.

Of course, this float is just the tip of the iceberg.

The one in the lead was the one who was drinking meat soup at the restaurant.

His Taoist name is Xuanjizi.

The mysterious general.

"Here, this is the best place to make our move."

As the light truck drove directly below the platform, Xuanji raised his hand.

"Prepare yourselves and await my command."

He looked up at the people on the platform, a sneer curling at the corner of his mouth.

Clang!

A machete slipped from its sheath and fell onto the road.

Just then, a child tugged at his mother's clothes as they passed by.

Pointing to the knife on the ground, she asked in a childish voice:

"Mother, what is this?"

General Xuanji bent down and picked it up without changing his expression.

He slashed his face a few times with a large knife.

He said with a smile:

"A razor, the one the old Taoist priest uses to shave."

The mother turned pale and, holding her child, disappeared into the crowd without looking back.

"Everyone, please stay calm and prepare."

"Take action! Set fires! Seize the emperor!"

Just then, Wei Gonggong's shrill voice came from the high platform:

"His Majesty has decreed that Prime Minister Han is invited to ascend the platform to enjoy the lanterns!"

General Xuanji was taken aback. "Wait! Let's wait until Han Cao takes the stage, then wipe them all out in one fell swoop!"

Han Cao straightened his clothes, slowly ascended the high platform, bowed to Chen Shao, and took his seat on the right.

General Xuanji squinted, coldly observing everything on the high platform.

He raised his hand again, as if to give another order.

Eunuch Wei's voice rang out again:

"His Majesty has decreed that General Yuwen be invited to enjoy the lanterns together."

"Wait a little longer."

"That old thief Yuwen Huagu is here too. Let's make our move once we've gathered everyone."

This happened several times in a row, and the Yellow Turban soldiers around them were already getting impatient.

She squatted on the crossbar of the light truck, cupping her face in her hands.

"General, are you going to make a move or not? How many times has this happened already?"

"Why does it feel like this damn emperor knows about our actions and is eliminating dissidents?"

General Xuanji gritted his teeth and said:

"Whatever it is, it's good for us anyway. Ideally, all the officials in the court should hand it over!"

Just then, a drunken, burly man suddenly rushed out of the restaurant next door.

It was Helian Xiong.

He had clearly had a great time and was now completely disoriented.

He stumbled and crashed into the Yellow Turban Army's light wagon.

Splash!

One after another, large knives fell to the ground.

Helian Xiong stood there, stunned.

General Xuanji smeared his face:

"A razor, nothing to be surprised about."

"Good heavens! You guys are plotting a rebellion!"

Helian Xiong sobered up instantly.

"Perfect! Perfect! Count me in! Let's fucking get him!"

He has a loud voice to begin with, and he doesn't consciously control it.

Everyone around heard it clearly and turned to look.

General Xuanji stopped shaving and immediately kicked over the lamp stand next to him.

"No more waiting! Move it! Set it on fire!"

"Seize the Emperor!"