Who is spreading rumors that my filial piety towards them has changed?

Aunt Gu didn't believe it was just something she'd overheard, but she also didn't believe he'd done it himself, guessing he'd probably paid for it.

"You just heard it on the street? That poem you casually recited would only be circulated in academies if it got out. Where would you find a master in the marketplace to listen to so casually? Besides, if it were just a common folk poem, it would have already spread far and wide!"

"There are many hidden masters among the common people. Think about that once famous Juque Sword Immortal. Didn't she become famous overnight? There were no such great deeds before."

When Zuo Qiuchi was wandering around, she used a pseudonym, just the single character "Qiu," and few people knew that her real name was Zuo Qiuchi. Actually, it wouldn't have mattered if Chu Mingkong had told Aunt Gu her real name.

Aunt Gu thought about it and realized that it made sense. He probably encountered a master when buying the poem. However, what he was most afraid of now was that his reputation would improve again, so it was definitely not something he would use to praise his own literary talent. It was more likely that he used it to scare the young girl.

The charming and mature young woman wanted to hear what kind of poems he had bought to deceive young women, so she said, "You wander around every day, have you heard any poems praising young women?"

Chu Mingkong didn't want to linger on this topic of literary cultivation any longer, mainly because he really couldn't keep up the argument, so he recalled a slightly pretentious line of poetry to end the conversation:

"No way! These kinds of stories are kept by the big shots to fool young girls. How could they let just anyone hear them? The poems about girls that you can hear in the marketplace are all rather improper. For example, there's something like, 'Thin silk gauze, skin as smooth as ice, snow-white and fragrant, laughing and talking to my lover: Tonight the gauze curtains and pillows are cool,' or 'A fairy, beautiful and graceful, her heart is intoxicated by the green silk carpet. Deep affection has led to a meeting in the Peach Blossom Spring, her delicate frown like Xi Shi's willow leaf smile.'"

Seeing Aunt Gu's face flush slightly, looking stunningly beautiful, Chu Mingkong quickly added righteously, "Although I don't know what it means, I can tell at a glance that it's not a good poem. Most of the poems in the marketplace are this kind of vulgar poetry, which I despise!"

Even if you can't understand the exact meaning of these lines of poetry, you can still tell how explicit the description is, and it even carries a hint of romantic love.

Aunt Gu spat at him and scolded, "You're always hanging around in the marketplace, what are you listening to? If some pedantic fellow hears this, be careful, or you'll get a beating. Don't go around telling others about these poems, understand?"

"I understand~ How could I just casually recite these poems? But I do admire those who have poetic talent. They really describe the beauty of women so well. If I had that ability, I would definitely write a few poems to praise Aunt Gu and Miss Zuo."

[System Treasure has arrived in your account, 25 points of filial piety (undesirable).]

[System Treasure has arrived in your account, 25 points of filial piety (undesirable).]

Oh dear! If I had known this would happen, I would have wasted my time chatting with the old man in the main hall!

On the other side, Shangguan Rong, the second young lady of the Shangguan family, originally planned to stay for dinner, but when Chu Mingkong arrived, she knew to avoid suspicion and prevent an awkward situation at the dinner table.

Shangguan Rong was quite surprised to be invited to offer birthday wishes to Old Master Cui on behalf of her clan's elders. She was surprised by the poem Chu Mingkong casually recited, which seemed unlike anything he could have written, yet it did have a certain charm.

But if you say it was something she heard in the marketplace, she doesn't believe anyone in the capital has such talent!

Just as Shangguan Rong was about to look at the flowers in the Cui residence before leaving, she overheard Chu Mingkong, Young Madam Gu, and a young lady surnamed Zuo chatting. The conversation seemed to be related to poetry.

She listened intently, and as she listened, her pretty oval face flushed red. Shangguan Rong was known as the talented woman of the Shangguan family, and she instantly understood the meaning of those few lines of poetry.

Moreover, because of the high level of skill in these few lines of poetry, she could even conjure up a vivid picture in her mind from just these few words.

She gasped, "Where did this guy get so much knowledge of poetry? And isn't Madam Gu his elder? How could he talk about such romantic poems in front of his elder!"

Chapter Ten: Let the Empress Cultivate Together

Chu Mingkong had a strong sense of self-worth in his literary talent; being able to utter the line "Viewed horizontally, it's a ridge; viewed vertically, it's a peak; Lorenz did nothing to achieve it" was already a good performance. Little did he know how much trouble these two casually mentioned lines of poetry from a couple's private life would later bring him.

He was unaware that Shangguan Rong had already left and didn't really want to stay for dinner. It would be too awkward to sit at the same table as his "ex-girlfriend." If she had brought a beautiful elder with her, Chu Mingkong could have tolerated it, but unfortunately, she hadn't.

It's not that he's overly tolerant, nor that he has any improper thoughts about his ex-girlfriend's mother; it's purely out of filial piety. Does his bad relationship with his ex-girlfriend affect his care and love for her mother?

“Aunt Gu, I’ve already visited and greeted the old man. I’ll head back now and come see you another day.”

"What, aren't you staying for dinner?" Aunt Gu was reluctant to let her nephew leave so soon.

"No, there are too many people here, and I don't like that kind of excitement." Chu Mingkong really didn't want to join in the fun.

Zuo Qiuchi patted his shoulder and said, "What's wrong with you? Didn't you say you were bringing me to try the Cui family's food? Did you find out in advance what the kitchen was preparing and decide it wasn't good enough, so you took me away from the restaurant ahead of time?"

Upon hearing this, Aunt Gu poked his forehead and pretended to be annoyed, saying, "You child, you're complaining about the food? You think it's a waste to sit with Aunt Gu a little longer?"

Chu Mingkong smiled wryly and had no choice but to agree: "How could I possibly feel wronged? Even if it's just a bowl of soup dumplings made by Aunt Gu, I'll be perfectly satisfied."

"You're always thinking about those few soup dumplings. There are soup dumplings at every morning market on the street. If you want to eat them, just go and eat as many as you want!"

"Nowhere else can you find someone as tender and juicy as Aunt Gu. Every bite is bursting with sweet, juicy flavor. Okay, I'm not leaving. I'll stay and have dinner with Aunt Gu before I go."

......

The Cui family has many members, with countless branches, but only a few are qualified to sit at the same table with Old Master Cui. Most of the clan members can only eat in their own rooms. Only members of the Cui family who have separated from the family can visit the Cui family once a year during festivals to receive New Year's gifts distributed by the Cui family.

Currently, the Cui family has two main branches, each with its own adjacent mansions in the capital. While each mansion is small, the two combined are only slightly smaller than the imperial palace. This demonstrates extreme wealth while subtly showing deference to the royal family. One branch is headed by the current patriarch, Cui Jiazhen, the eldest grandson of the Cui family patriarch. The other branch, led by Cui Zheng, is more ambitious. After separating from the family, he made significant progress in cultivation, returned, and established a western mansion. However, he neglected his cultivation after returning.

However, based on Chu Mingkong's understanding, the Cui family was actually showing signs of being outwardly impressive but inwardly corrupt. The ancestors of the Cui family recognized that the rise and fall of the family was inevitable, so they invested in many sects. Talented family members went to the sects to cultivate, while those without talent were encouraged to marry female cultivators from the sects, thus trying to improve the cultivation talent of future generations.

The cultivation level can bring about an extension of lifespan. Lifespan means that the backbone of the Cui family can support the family for a long time, enough for several cycles for the family's descendants to be replaced. This is like drawing cards. I can draw cards for several generations. Surely I won't not be able to draw a single good card, right?

As a result, dynasties and royal families have changed many times, but the Cui family has remained evergreen. In previous dynasties, members of the Cui family served as national advisors, and in the present dynasty, members of the Cui family still serve as prime ministers. In total, the Cui family has produced a total of twenty-nine prime ministers and national advisors.

However, after so many years of smooth sailing, signs of decline have finally emerged.

The eldest son of the first branch, who was also Aunt Gu's husband, was originally the next successor on whom Old Master Cui placed high hopes, but he died suddenly in the chaos of the Demon Sect. As for the other branches, they were all somewhat wicked and ignorant, and they even developed a homosexual habit of playing with rabbit figurines.

The poor, once vast Cui family mansion now has only one guardian deity besides the powerful sects and factions that have allied with them. It turns out that the only one left is the great-grandfather, Old Master Cui.

However, in recent years, Old Master Cui has been in seclusion, only emerging for a few days every few years on his birthday or during the Lunar New Year. In addition, the Cui family has been buying longevity herbs at high prices, so one can sense that he is trying to break through in his twilight years and live another spring.

Chu Mingkong and Zuo Qiuchi communicated telepathically using spiritual power, discussing the gossip surrounding the aristocratic family while waiting for the meal to be served.

Soon, the more prominent members of the Cui family arrived one after another. The first to arrive were a few young girls, who were barely up to Chu Mingkong's knees. Children are also attracted to good looks, and although they didn't recognize Chu Mingkong, they were very fond of this handsome and dignified older brother and didn't resist being held by him.

Before long, the seats were full. Chu Mingkong, who was used to eating and drinking alone, felt a little uncomfortable with so many people. Aunt Gu pulled Chu Mingkong aside to introduce him to others and get to know them, probably so that he could come to her house more often in the future.

He didn't see any of the beautiful elders, but mostly young women of his own generation. This left Chu Mingkong with nowhere to place his intense filial piety, which was deeply in love at first sight, inseparable, unforgettable, and heart-wrenching!

Heartache!

Chu Mingkong sat back down in his seat, feeling embarrassed, and then heard a woman's charming laughter coming from the backyard: "What a rare guest! No wonder Old Master Cui is so happy. I wish I could join in the fun!"

The Cui family can be considered a semi-cultivation family. With cultivation involved, their family customs are naturally not too strict or rigid. However, when Old Master Cui comes, even the little maids are too respectful to speak loudly. What kind of person is he? How dare he talk and laugh so loudly?

Chu Mingkong's eyes narrowed. It was definitely an elder! A woman! Judging from her voice, she was probably similar to Aunt Gu!

The woman who had spoken soon arrived, surrounded by several beautiful young women from the Cui household, including wives and maids. She was dressed in luxurious attire, extremely beautiful, with a phoenix hairpin adorning her hair, and wearing a red satin robe with gold embroidery. Her bright, almond-shaped eyes were captivating, and her slender figure and noble air were striking.

Aunt Gu was worried that Chu Mingkong wouldn't recognize her, so she whispered a brief introduction to him: "This is Zhong Feihuang. You can call her Second Sister-in-law. She's Master Cui Zheng's daughter-in-law. She has a fiery temper and sometimes makes sarcastic jokes, but she's not difficult to get along with. Don't take it to heart."

Wow! She's clearly a wonderful elder and sister-in-law. How could I possibly argue with her? I'll test my filial piety later.

"And what about the one walking next to her, the one with the furrowed brow?" Chu Mingkong continued to gather information.

The woman he mentioned was graceful and delicate, with a charming and alluring appearance. However, she was gentle and peaceful in her demeanor, which was completely different from that of the equally beautiful second sister-in-law, Zhong Feihuang. She was reserved and demure, and her curved eyebrows and eyes seemed to be troubled by worries at all times, which made her very endearing to men.

Although she lacked the cultivation to enhance her aura, this woman was already considered a femme fatale.

Aunt Gu replied, "This is Feng Keqing, a clan daughter-in-law who is very much to the liking of Old Madam Cui. She is from the Cui clan chief's side. There are quite a few people, so don't be shy. Just eat and let them know when they ask you. After you're done, you can toast Old Master Cui."

Chu Mingkong nodded silently. This sister-in-law was also very kind!

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Zhong Feihuang's husband, Cui Lian, poured a cup of wine and toasted Chu Mingkong:

"Mingkong, let me toast you. I've often heard Aunt Gu mention you, and today I've finally met you. You are indeed a handsome man. Even when I was seventeen or eighteen, I was only slightly more dashing than you. Our Cui family has plenty of wine, all of it the best, so don't feel bad!"

Zuo Qiuchi glanced at Cui Lian, who was speaking. It wasn't that he was biased towards Chu Mingkong, but where did Cui Lian get the confidence to say those words? Chu Mingkong was extremely handsome. Even though he had tarnished his reputation for so long, if he went to a brothel, plenty of girls would pay him to come in and have a go.

"Brother Lian, you're too kind. I rarely drink, so I don't care if you feel wronged or not. But I still have to have a drink with you today!" He downed the drink in his glass in one gulp, then frowned slightly.

Wow! Is this watered-down liquor again?!

However, this time the wine was diluted with water, so the taste wasn't obvious, but it was definitely diluted. Judging from Aunt Gu's reaction, she was unaware of it.

Forget it, Chu Mingkong didn't intend to have any amicable relations with these eldest and second eldest brothers of the Cui family. It was enough to have good relations with their wives. He just didn't know how much filial piety these two sisters-in-law would show. If they showed little, he would pretend not to know them in the future.

Lian Ge'er's wife, the beautiful and elegant Huang Saozi, asked incredulously:

"Mingkong, I heard you were mistreated by the Zhang family, and you even treated their concubine with deference. Aren't you being a bit too mild-mannered? Shouldn't you teach the Zhang family a lesson? Even if the emperor is dissatisfied with you, you can't just tolerate it like this!"

This sister-in-law is really too sharp; she speaks without restraint, daring to even say things like "The Emperor." However, this also shows that her bluntness wasn't intentionally meant to mock Chu Mingkong, but rather out of curiosity. No one would deliberately create trouble for themselves with sarcastic remarks.

"Isn't the Empress now promoting filial piety? Even the royal family cultivators in the Royal Academy have to recite filial piety scriptures every day. I thought it would be better to part amicably, so I found a member of the Zhang family who could still speak normally, offered him a cup of wine, and asked him if it mattered whether he was a concubine or not, since he was still an elder."

Of course, Mingkong can show even a fraction of respect and filial piety to Zhang's concubines, so he will naturally show twelve times the respect and filial piety to Sister-in-law Huang. When he visits her another day, he will definitely bring a gift to express his sincere filial piety!

Zhong Feihuang had previously heard rumors from the streets and genuinely thought that this young prince of Xiling was quite disreputable. She never expected him to be so upright and elegant, with a handsome and imposing appearance. Of all the noble young men she had seen, he was truly the most good-looking. Moreover, the ruthlessness he had cultivated in the military had been subtly integrated into his personal charisma, which was very captivating, and his voice was also so pleasant to listen to.

I used to think only about the “rare thing” of him being dumped one after another, but now I only feel sorry for and sympathize with his family’s plight.

Zhong Feihuang stood up, slightly bending down to pour him a cup of fine wine. As she bent over, her milky-white skin below her collarbone was captivating. Chu Mingkong, his eyes unwavering, his gaze pure and upright, rose to toast her:

"Thank you, Sister-in-law Huang. I can't let you trouble a junior like me to pour wine. I can do it myself!"

[System Treasure has arrived in your account, 50 points of filial piety (undesirable).]

50 points after just a few words on our first meeting, what will happen in the future?!

"Don't be so formal~ Don't call me sister-in-law, just call me Sister Huang. You're the only one who calls me sister-in-law, it makes me seem so old!"

Okay, sister-in-law!

--------

An uninvited guest arrived at the Empress's bedchamber in the imperial palace.

Fengying leaned against the window, her deep blue eyes coldly staring at the woman on the bed, a noble woman dressed in an empress's robe, exuding an aura of imperial majesty.

"Now it's time for you to honor your promise. I gave you three months to find someone who can heal the wounds of the Abyss, and it seems you've broken your promise?"

"...That's a wound from the Abyss, how easy is it to treat?!"

"Those people I helped you kill, how easy were they to kill? I know your constitution; your virginity on your first night can bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded. I also know that you played a trick on the emperor when you consummated your marriage, preserving your virginity."

The implication of these words is clearly that the Empress should use her body to heal others!

“Even I might not be able to heal the wounds of the Abyss, for that is a power beyond the Five Elements!” The Empress stared directly at Feng Ying.

"It's alright. If even your constitution can't be cured, then I'll consider it as you've done your best, and our deal is done. We'll be even."

Chapter Eleven: A Filial Gift for Aunt Gu

The arrival of Fengying was so sudden that it did not alert the guards or magic arrays in the imperial city, and it was difficult to stay after coming and going.

Empress Pei sat quietly on the couch for a while, her clenched fists slowly loosening as if she had given up. She got up, drank some tea to calm her mind, and walked to the bookshelf to browse through medical books and classics.

She had read these medical books countless times. She was from the Pei family in the capital, but she also came from Xuanhu Valley, a sacred place for doctors. It could be said that she was the best doctor in the entire capital.

However, the wounds from the Abyss are truly beyond the healing capabilities of ordinary people.

The cultivators in this world cultivate the five elements of spiritual energy. They focus on cultivating whichever element suits their talent. However, Yin and Yang are a more mysterious and ancient power than the five elements. Whoever can master even a trace of Yin or Yang power for their own use will surely become a regional overlord.

The Abyss is, in some interpretations, a manifestation of violent Yin energy. Places affected by the Abyss may be shrouded in this power symbolizing death and destruction for decades. Even if the power of the Abyss dissipates, it is unknown how long it will take for the life destroyed on that land to recover.