# Chapter 1178: Strange Tales
A Ministry of Justice official from Great Li once made a very vivid analogy: every self-narrative file in the Investigation and Grinding Office's archives is a concise, fast-paced, yet extremely brilliant assassin biography.
In an ordinary inn within the bustling marketplace of Qiu Nation's capital, Su Lang had already changed his attire and returned to this place. Inside the room was also his disciple, Gao You, sitting upright with a solemn expression. He was ultimately worried that his master might encounter trouble on this trip—after all, it wouldn't do to have only recognized a master a few days ago, only to immediately be burdened with a blood feud, and embark on the path of avenging his master before even learning much real skill.
Su Lang took a wooden box from his bundle, retrieved his four treasures of the study, sat down, and began to grind ink. After closing his eyes to clear his mind for a moment, he picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and started writing down his observations of the trip to Qiu Nation's capital and the assassination at the pleasure house.
Forbearing to ask anything, Gao You sat on a long bench, gazing at Su Lang's back. Finally, he couldn't help but ask softly, "Master, what are you writing?"
Su Lang replied, "A detailed record for the Great Li Ministry of Justice to review."
Gao You grunted in acknowledgment, not daring to ask further.
Su Lang hesitated, then beckoned for Gao You to sit at the table. He handed over the two pages he had just written, which happened to cover up to the point just before Huang Jie was ambushed by the courtesan. Su Lang said, "Remember, after reading, forget everything."
Gao You carefully read through the two pages. During this time, besides studying swordsmanship and tempering his bones and muscles, he had naturally learned some characters. The youth remarked casually, "Master, if it were me, I'd be extra careful with that courtesan."
Su Lang's expression remained unchanged. "Why?"
Gao You said, "This Huang Jie is clearly a seasoned expert in assassination. Yet somehow, in that room with the fewest people, the courtesan who charges three hundred silver taels for a single night just happened to wake up? If it were me, I wouldn't believe she's just a frightened courtesan. Besides, caution never hurts. You can gamble on luck at a betting house, but in this line of work where your head is tied to your belt, you can't just gamble with your life. If you can't kill someone easily, you should at least knock her unconscious. If that courtesan is really a bad person—hypothetically speaking—then either Huang Jie was careless, or they already knew each other but were worried about eavesdropping. For instance, wasn't Master watching him from outside? That doesn't seem right either. If they recognized each other, the courtesan could just pretend to be asleep. As martial artists, can't we compress sound into a line for secret speech? No, that's wrong too. What if Huang Jie and she were old lovers? The storytellers always say love is hard to restrain. Maybe Huang Jie had the worst suspicion: her spy identity had already been exposed, and it had to be a choice where only one could live... Master, I'm just rambling."
In the alleyway of the youth's hometown, there were several of the cheapest brothels and unlicensed prostitutes who smiled from their doorways. So when he saw on the paper the expense of three hundred silver taels for a single night, Gao You's eyelids twitched. Was that courtesan made of solid gold? In the past, when he and Wan Yan passed by the doors of a few women whom they had to call "Auntie," the youth had once had an ambition to save twenty or thirty silver taels and send them to those women. When Master heard about this, he only said, "That's thoughtful," but didn't give a single tael.
Su Lang smiled and nodded. "I wasn't wrong about you. You're indeed good spy material."
The content he wrote afterward didn't need to be shown to this kid. As for the truth of the matter, the Ministry of Justice's Investigation and Grinding Office would handle it.
Gao You scratched his head.
Su Lang deliberately frowned, feigning displeasure. "How come you have so many strange thoughts?"
Gao You looked embarrassed and confessed honestly, "Master, being a pickpocket isn't easy either. Wan Yan and I started doing this trade when we were six. We had no master to teach us; we learned everything ourselves. If you misjudge people or aren't fast enough, you get beaten. A slap that spins you around in place is common. Once, Wan Yan was kicked so hard he ended up with a chronic ailment. So every time we suffered a loss and got bruised and swollen, the two of us would get together afterward and think things through."
Su Lang chuckled. "Indeed, every profession produces its own top talent."
Gao You felt relieved. As long as Master didn't expel him from the sect, being thought less of was no grievance.
Su Lang then revealed more inside information to this disciple. "Huang Jie was tasked with killing those Qiu Nation officials currently in power. I was tasked with watching Huang Jie—both to prevent accidents, like some fish slipping through the net, and because those incompetent officials might have hidden experts around them. Of course, I was also there to supervise Huang Jie, to prevent any improper intentions or forbidden actions from him. The record he submits to the Ministry of Justice and the content I provide must match perfectly in every detail. If Ministry officials find a discrepancy, they'll investigate, and depending on the severity, we might have to go to the capital's Ministry of Justice in person, or they might send someone directly to question us. The Director of the Ministry of Justice's Bureau of Military Selection is one of the people watching me. And Vice Minister Zhao Yao is the one who watches over officials like him. As for who watches Zhao Yao? Whether there's even such a person in the court today—who knows?"
Gao You was amazed. "So that Vice Minister Zhao is really a huge official."
Su Lang smiled. "That's one way to put it."
Gao You asked curiously, "Are there many experts from Great Li involved in this move against Qiu Nation?"
Su Lang nodded. "I'm just someone handling specific tasks, not involved in planning. But roughly estimating, the two lists total about five hundred people. People like me and Huang Jie belong to a few secret agencies under Great Li's Ministry of War and Ministry of Justice. Add the temporary conscripts from the garrisons of three prefectures including Han Province, whether they actually acted or not, there should be about three hundred people in total."
Gao You was shocked. "That many?!"
Su Lang laughed. "Is that a lot?"
Gao You said cautiously, "Even at half that, it would be more than enough to kill all the officials and generals of Qiu Nation in a single day, right?"
Su Lang shook his head with a smile.
Gao You asked, "Master, did I say something wrong?"
Su Lang put down his brush and spoke seriously. "First of all, who kills whom isn't entirely determined by cultivation level. It's like how I think you're suited for this line of work—it has little to do with your current realm. Every assassination needs to achieve the goal reliably while also giving people like Huang Jie practical experience. That's been the consistent principle of Great Li's Ministry of Justice in training spies. For example, Huang Jie spent years working in the lowest trades in brothels—that's training in understanding all kinds of human affairs. When he later changes locations and identities, like playing a wealthy scion who throws money around or a noble prince rolling among beauties, his speech, knowledge, and bearing will be convincing. He'll act more genuine than the real thing. That's the second point."
"Most importantly, the third point. Future 'Huang Jies,' or you, Gao You, can all become officials, turning from hidden identities into open ones. Although you won't come from the 'pure stream' path of the imperial examinations, Great Li has two special promotion routes set up for you. You might even one day govern a region. As far as I know, the highest-ranking among you have already become prefects, commandery governors, and there seems to be one deputy general in Qi Province."
Su Lang smiled. "There's a rumor that our Ministry's Minister Ma once said: 'Officials come in two types—those good at studying, and those good at practical work.'"
Though the Minister did follow up with: "And I'm the kind who's both good at studying and even better at practical work."
Gao You laughed. "That Ma Yuan, I know him. He's a household name—the head of the Poyang Ma clan, the Supreme Pillar of State. In our capital, everyone says he's Old Master Guan's illegitimate son."
Su Lang didn't scold this disciple for his loose tongue or disrespect.
Gao You suddenly deflated, his expression complex. He said softly, "Master, in the past, when Wan Yan and the others and I talked about Minister Ma's matters, we always thought of it as just funny stories. Now that I've recognized you as my master, I understand how incredibly powerful Vice Minister Zhao is, and suddenly I feel that Ma Yuan, since his official hat is even bigger than Vice Minister Zhao's, must be a terrifying figure. If I ever meet Minister Ma someday, I'll probably stammer so badly I can't even get my tongue straight."
Su Lang found this amusing. "No need to worry—the chances are slim. Even I've never met Minister Ma or had a chance to exchange a word with him."
Su Lang suddenly reached out and grabbed the sword scabbard on the table, making a gesture for his disciple to be quiet.
A light knock came from outside. Su Lang changed his voice, feigning drowsiness. "Who is it?"
A seductive voice that could melt a man's bones came from outside. "Dear guest inside, wouldn't you like me to come in and warm your bed? The price is negotiable..."
The woman laughed to herself.
Su Lang looked helpless but breathed a sigh of relief nonetheless.
Gao You lowered his voice, delighted. "Auntie Zhou?!"
Su Lang quickly tucked the few pages into his sleeve, glanced at the wooden box on the table, hesitated, then decided not to put it away. He opened the door. It was indeed Zhou Haijing.
Beside her was a handsome, smiling man with a purple gourd hanging from his waist.
Su Lang was greatly surprised, immediately cupped his fists. "Su Lang, Second-Class Offering of the Ministry of Justice, pays respects to Vice Minister Cao."
Had Zhou Haijing helped Vice Minister Cao conceal his breathing and footsteps in the corridor outside? Or...?
Cao Gengxin returned the gesture with cupped fists. "An honor, an honor. I've long heard of the fame of the Green Bamboo Sword Immigrant—it thunders in my ears. Miss Zhou and I happened to be passing by, so I hope we're not disturbing."
Su Lang wasn't sure who exactly had heard of whom more. He stepped aside to let them in, then closed the door softly. Knowing that too many words could lead to mistakes, he remained silent.
Cao Gengxin looked at Gao You and cupped his fists again with a grin. "Little brother, you look like a promising young talent with an official aura."
Gao You had already tactfully stood up. Without needing his master's reminder, he had moved away from the table and was standing near the bed.
Hearing this "Vice Minister Cao's" greeting, he didn't know how to respond, so he looked to his master. Su Lang gave no hint.
The youth was completely baffled. Vice Minister? Of where? Qiu Nation? Could it be someone as high-ranking as Vice Minister Zhao? Were all officials this sloppy? If so, then he and Wan Yan would be naturals for high officialdom. But then again, that ungrateful bastard Wan Yan had already gone off to become an immortal on some mountain.
Cao Gengxin asked with a smile, "Little Brother Gao, if you saw Mr. Chen, could you get your tongue straight?"
Gao You was puzzled. "Which Mr. Chen?"
Cao Gengxin laughed. "The one who visited your alley and looked for your Auntie Zhou."
Gao You brightened. "You mean him, the Sect Leader? I know him. Of course I do. He looks like a martial arts expert. We didn't talk much, but he seemed like a pretty easygoing person."
That guy in cloth shoes—Auntie Zhou said he was incredibly wealthy. Hmph, don't flaunt your wealth; he's an old hand at keeping a low profile.
Cao Gengxin laughed heartily. "Then what are you afraid of Minister Ma for? When you see him, just ask him straight out if he's Old Master Guan's illegitimate son. I've wondered about this for years too. If you get an answer, little brother, be sure to tell me."
Su Lang's mind was instantly clear, and he barely suppressed a curse. It really was him. He actually became that?
Then the Green Bamboo Sword Immortal thought back. That sword duel back then—could it count as a glorious defeat?
Even knowing the other party was a Vice Minister, Gao You simply couldn't feel afraid. He muttered, "I'm not stupid."
Su Lang, afraid Gao You might say the wrong thing, reluctantly introduced with a forced smile, "Gao You, this Vice Minister Cao is the Vice Minister of Personnel in our Great Li capital, not Qiu Nation's."
Gao You glanced at Cao Gengxin's gourd, let out a "heh," and said with a shy expression, "Master, I guessed, but I didn't dare believe it."
Vice Minister Cao of the Ministry of Personnel—in the capital, who didn't know him? First-class lineage, second-class talent, third-class official, lowest-class character. He loved fine wine and beautiful women, and was famously idle. To put it bluntly, his reputation was in the gutter. But for street-smart young ruffians like Gao You who made a living on the ground, whenever they chatted idly and talked about this Vice Minister Cao—whose only apparent virtue was being approachable—they were full of envy.
They said Vice Minister Cao had started dealing in erotic paintings as a child. The rumors in the capital's alleys and markets were wild; no one knew if they were true.
Cao Gengxin sat on the long bench, clasped his hands behind his head, and instinctively leaned back. He was startled and quickly sat upright, looking a bit embarrassed. "Over on the Sword Ship, I'm the least popular. Sure, I demoted a few officials, but I promoted even more. Take Huang Jie, for example—he had some flaws, not experienced enough, but his merits were solid, so he had to be promoted. Yet I almost got cursed out by some pretty big officials. If I'd dared to talk back half a sentence, they'd have put a knife to my throat. Fortunately, Miss Zhou happened to recognize you here, so we slipped over to enjoy some peace. Let Vice Minister Zhao take the heat and the spittle alone."
Gao You, never having been a government servant, just thought Vice Minister Cao was witty. What a shame he wasn't a storyteller.
But Su Lang knew exactly what kind of demotions could make the Han Province General and others fly into such a rage that they'd directly confront a Vice Minister of Personnel from the Supreme Pillar of State surname. In short, this time, it wasn't just Qiu Nation getting cut—Great Li's own Han Province bureaucracy had also taken a hit.
Zhou Haijing laughed. "It was tense—almost came to blows. One big man hiding behind two women—what a heroic sight. And then look at Zhao Yao, also a Vice Minister. He didn't back down; he stepped forward, pointed fingers at the faces of Governor Situ Xiguang and General Lu Song, and cursed them out. Did they dare talk back? Vice Minister Zhao scolded those two regional magnates like they were grandsons."
Cao Gengxin took a swig from his gourd and sighed helplessly. "Comparing people is infuriating. Damn it, I'm going to transfer to the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Personnel is too hot to sit in."
Su Lang tested the waters. "So, next steps involve filling positions? Will there be surveillance for a while?"
Zhou Haijing clicked her tongue in amazement.
Cao Gengxin nodded. "For the empty posts—the official hats whose owners have lost their heads—whether capital officials or local military commanders, there are one or two pre-selected replacements ready to step in. For example, the positions vacated by Chief Grand Secretary Zhuang Fan and Grand General Dou Mei will be contested in Qiu Nation's court. And with Han E just ascending the throne, new emperor means new ministers. So Qiu Nation's court and local bureaucracy are relatively simple. As for the mountain immortal mansions and martial arts sects, it's even easier—barely an issue. But some positions have no short-term replacements, and those are trickier. For instance, the various academies and the 'pure discussion' faction in the countryside will require more effort. Besides the storytellers flooding Qiu Nation's court and countryside who just recite scripts, we'll probably need some catchy market songs and a few widely circulated prophecies. But it's manageable—all within the National Teacher's Office's expectations. As for the effect, we'll need to watch for another two or three months."
Gao You felt like he was listening to heavenly scriptures.
Su Lang's mood was extremely complex, but he forced himself to say, "Unimaginable."
Cao Gengxin smiled. "Each of us has our own disbelief."
Back in Great Li's capital, just the twelve Earthly Branch agents he managed—wasn't Yu Yu nearly going crazy? And what about Prince Song Xu? Had he fared any better?
When National Teacher Cui was here, everything was watertight, running smoothly everywhere.
Now that National Teacher Cui was gone, in just a few years, some parts of Great Li had started to...
Not to mention other things, let alone distant matters—just look at the Civil Secretaries in the National Teacher's Office. Zhou Haijing of the Earthly Branch lineage, and Deputy General Huang Mexian of Han Province—killing them would be as easy as squeezing a chick. But once it came down to actual officialdom?
Besides, Dao cultivators are supposed to keep their distance from the mundane world, keep their Dao heart free of dust, and not let their form and spirit be entangled by worldly affairs—this is no empty saying.
Cao Gengxin's expression remained calm. He asked, "Did you have two honored guests meeting here? Would Offering Su mind if we took over?"
Su Lang stood up and smiled. "Since I haven't received any additional transfer orders from the Ministry of Justice, my disciple Gao You and I need to leave the capital immediately."
Cao Gengxin laughed. "Little Brother Gao, please take good care of him, Offering Su. Teach him well. Next time you master and disciple come to the capital for a report, feel free to visit my place. The Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Personnel are both in Nanxun Ward—just a few steps away."
Su Lang cupped his fists in farewell. "I will."
No sooner had the master and disciple left than two more people arrived.
A handsome young man with a folding fan tucked into his back collar, looking like a dissolute noble son. Beside him was a woman wearing a veiled hat, dressed like a maidservant.
He was the young Vice Minister who had "called the roll" in court. Humble origins, child prodigy, top scholar in the imperial exams, entered the Hanlin Academy, moved through two ministries for practical experience, and rose swiftly to become a Vice Minister in his thirties. Except for nearly being chosen by the old emperor as a consort, Shao Wanling's official career had been smooth sailing.
This sword-bearing palace maid was named Wei Xianrou. She had taken three heads in succession: the instructress, the young empress dowager, and the young emperor.
Both of them were genuine natives of Qiu Nation.
One had risked enormous danger—on the very day he became Qiu Nation's Vice Minister of Personnel, he proactively sent a secret letter to Great Li's Ministry of Justice.
The other had become a Great Li Ministry of Justice spy at age twelve, registered in the capital's Music Bureau. She was especially skilled at sleeve dances and waist bends that captivated audiences.
The common people didn't need to know too many details. Qiu Nation's court knew clearly; that was enough.
Zhou Haijing sighed emotionally. "I always thought Su Lang was aloof and unsuited for officialdom. I misjudged him."
Cao Gengxin chuckled. "Whether one is aloof or not depends on the person. Besides, in officialdom, if you can flatter superiors without bullying subordinates, you're a capable person. I might not guarantee a smooth career, but I'm certainly optimistic about this Green Bamboo Sword Immortal. Next time I see him in the Ministry of Personnel, I'll have to ask about the details of that mountain villa sword duel."
Zhou Haijing sneered. "Don't you have anything better to do?"
Cao Gengxin replied, "Su Lang is just a marginal figure in officialdom, so many of his views are still shallow."
Zhou Haijing was surprised. "Cao Gengxin, don't put others down to lift yourself up, pretending to be clever in front of me!"
Cao Gengxin, who rarely spoke firmly in her presence, said testily, "I've been afraid of being an official since I was a child, to the bone. So on this matter, every word I say is solid as a nail. Do you think when I was the kiln supervisor in Huaihuang County I really just loafed around every day? Could just anyone hold their ground there? Wu Yuan, Yuan Zhengding—both were brilliant people, and they hit snags, fell flat. I was the only one who walked away unscathed."
Zhou Haijing jeered. "If you're so afraid, then why the hell are you an official? It's easy to talk when you're not in the position. Spouting sour grapes?"
Cao Gengxin sighed bitterly. "What's beyond one's control isn't limited to the martial world and romantic entanglements."
A knock came at the door. Zhou Haijing jerked her chin. Go open the door, Vice Minister Cao. Put on your official airs from the great suzerain state.
But she saw Cao Gengxin seriously straighten his collar, go to the door, and open it, saying with a smile, "Please, come in." It seemed that Shao Wanling saw that this powerful Vice Minister from the suzerain state hadn't moved, so he gave up on the idea of closing the door behind them and went straight to the table. Wei Xianrou removed her veiled hat, curtsied to Cao Gengxin, and followed Shao Wanling to stand by the table.
Cao Gengxin closed the door, his expression serious, and turned to cup his fists. "An honor."
Zhou Haijing was quite surprised. Such rare courtesy—had our Vice Minister Cao been possessed?
Cao Gengxin got straight to the point. "Shao Wanling, are you angry that you weren't immediately sent to fill the vacancy of Minister of War?"
Shao Wanling shook his head. "I'm not suited to head the Ministry of War. It's not just a matter of age or experience. I'm only fit for the Ministry of Personnel or the Ministry of Justice. I'd have no problem being promoted to Minister a few years later."
Cao Gengxin nodded. "I came to meet you today because the National Teacher asked me to convey a message. He wants to know: are you willing to serve in Great Li's capital's Office of Transmission? There will be some significant position changes there soon, and among the vacancies, there's one suitable for you."
"Of course, it won't be the same rank as here in Qiu Nation—that would draw too much attention. It might cause some trouble for your official career development in Great Li and your reputation here at home. But I guarantee this: if you go to the Office of Transmission, whatever ability you have, you'll get corresponding real power."
Zhou Haijing was quite startled. He'd put it that plainly, almost telling Shao Wanling to go to Great Li's Office of Transmission and make a fortune.
Unexpectedly, Shao Wanling's gaze was firm. He shook his head. "I seek officialdom, but not Great Li's officialdom. Pardon my boldness, but even if Vice Minister Cao tied me up and took me to Great Li's capital, I wouldn't serve as an official. Even if the National Teacher himself stood here, I'd say the same thing!"
After a moment of silence, Shao Wanling continued slowly, "Today, I could rebel against Emperor Han Yun, who legitimately sits on the dragon throne. If one day the officials of Han Province become no different from those of Qiu Nation, I would rebel against the suzerain state just the same. I would rebel against your Great Li. Of course, your Great Li officials are too formidable, and some are too clever at being officials. If such a day ever came, I'd probably die a quiet, deserved death. And I'd surely die with perfect justification. No matter—death doesn't matter."
Having said this, Shao Wanling laughed bitterly. He held back for a while, but finally couldn't help cursing, "Damn it all. Hearing those bastards who also 'don't matter if they die' recite 'death doesn't matter' every day—it sounds like anything but a good thing. It's lost all meaning."
Cao Gengxin thought for a moment, then slapped the table and said with a bright smile, "A scholar's will is set on the Way. This culture lies herein."
Wei Xianrou's eyes lit up when she heard this.
Cao Gengxin soon complained, "Some words are too taboo. Don't tell me—you need to tell the National Teacher directly."
Zhou Haijing raised her hand to her mouth and said softly to the young woman who looked very bashful and shy, "That assessment came from the National Teacher himself. Vice Minister Cao is just borrowing it."
Cao Gengxin was thick-skinned enough not to care about such public embarrassment. He said to himself, "Being too good at being an official really isn't a good thing."
Shao Wanling replied, "It's only a very small minority. Otherwise, I wouldn't have—"
Vice Minister Cao's mood grew even gloomier. He waved his hand to cut off Shao Wanling's words. "Let's not discuss this for now." He took out a second-class offering token from his sleeve and handed it to Wei Xianrou, explaining, "Vice Minister Zhao Yao of the Ministry of Justice was supposed to give this to you himself, but he's tied up right now, so I'm doing it on his behalf."
Wei Xianrou immediately took a third-class unhindered token from her sleeve and made the exchange.
Zhou Haijing, a woman with a meticulous mind, could tell that Wei Xianrou was hiding something.
Cao Gengxin hung the token on his waist. Seeing everyone looking at him in surprise, he asked, "What? Is it illegal? Can't I enjoy the feeling for a bit?"
Wei Xianrou said softly, "Vice Minister Cao, according to Great Li's Ministry of Justice regulations, wearing an unhindered token without authorization is not only illegal but carries substantial penalties."
Her manner was gentle and timid, her voice like a warbler's.
Cao Gengxin waved dismissively. "I'm the National Teacher's right-hand man, and Zhao Yao's sworn brother... there's no law against bragging, is there?"
A hand pressed down on Vice Minister Cao's shoulder. The person said with a smile, "Bragging isn't illegal, but at least have a draft."
Cao Gengxin turned his head and laughed. "National Teacher, what brings you here in person?"
Besides Chen Ping'an, there was a girl in a sable hat with rosy cheeks, and a young man with a yellow hat, green shoes, and a green bamboo staff.
Zhou Haijing hesitated for a moment, then stood up to greet him.
The other two jumped to their feet as if they'd been startled.
Chen Ping'an ignored Vice Minister Cao. He cupped his fists to the others and said with a smile, "A pleasure to meet Vice Minister Shao and Offering Wei. You've both worked hard all these years."
Shao Wanling silently made a deep bow.
Wei Xianrou instinctively cupped her fists in return, then immediately withdrew her hands and performed a curtsy instead.
Cao Gengxin tried to stand up to show some respect, but Chen Ping'an pressed him back down onto the bench with both hands.
Chen Ping'an smiled and explained, "I came here partly to get a look at Great Li's military Sword Ship, and partly to meet two new Great Li spies from the Ma family here in the capital. They were forced by me into Great Li's Ministry of Justice, and I can't let Vice Minister Zhao laugh at me. Of course, mainly I wanted to get familiar with Vice Minister Shao and Offering Wei. I figured Vice Minister Cao wouldn't make a good persuader anyway."
Cao Gengxin said, "National Teacher, I even brought out those eight characters of praise, and I still couldn't move Vice Minister Shao."
Shao Wanling laughed. "If you hadn't said that, and if I'd been so obsessed with officialdom that I just went to Great Li's capital, wouldn't that make the National Teacher look bad for misjudging me? I'd probably have a clouded future, and Vice Minister Cao might take some undeserved blame too?"
Cao Gengxin rubbed his chin. "That's true. I really am not cut out for officialdom. I can't outmaneuver you sharp operators."
Wei Xianrou was expressionless, but inwardly she was extremely surprised. How dare Cao Gengxin speak to Great Li's new National Teacher like that?
"All of you, sit down and talk."
Chen Ping'an said, "Offering Wei, regarding this upheaval in Qiu Nation, the deployments of Great Li's Ministry of War and Ministry of Justice have been rather hasty—I forced them into it. You deserve the most credit. On the entire Sword Ship, no one has any objection. Originally, I wanted to promote you directly to first-class offering, bypassing ranks. But Zhao Yao wouldn't agree. He said that opening that door would make other Ministry of Justice offerings follow suit, thinking it's a shortcut for exceptional promotion. They'd lose their sense of proportion, and if they didn't learn properly, it would cause problems. Since Vice Minister Zhao is in charge of this line, I had to admit he had a point. However, Vice Minister Zhao did back down half a step. He said that from now on, he'll personally handle matters with Offering Wei, bypassing the Ministry's various departments entirely. As for the specifics of what that entails, Zhao Yao will discuss it with you soon."
When Wei Xianrou heard "Offering Wei," she abruptly stood up.
Her face was radiant. She pursed her lips tightly, shaking or nodding her head gently. Her ears were as red as the most exquisite little patch of sunset clouds in the world.
Chen Ping'an shifted his gaze and asked with a smile, "Shao Wanling, you really won't go to Great Li's capital's Office of Transmission?"
Shao Wanling stood up and shook his head. He asked tentatively, "Could I ask the National Teacher to convey my congratulations to Minister Changsun?"
Cao Gengxin suppressed a laugh. Right, National Teacher—you're also a lousy persuader.
Chen Ping'an nodded. "No problem. I'll put in a good word for you. I'm far from your level when it comes to formalities and officialese, but I'm not a complete novice either."
Cao Gengxin glanced at Vice Minister Shao—calling him tactless. Shao Wanling glanced at Vice Minister Cao—accusing him of being frivolous.
Chen Ping'an took his leave. Together with Xiao Mo and Xie Gou, they left the inn. In a secluded alley near the inn, they rose into the air as three streaks of sword light, like rainbows tearing through the blue sky, heading straight for the Jade Boat Sect, the leading immortal sect of Qiu Nation.
Earlier, on the Sword Ship, Cao Gengxin had slipped away. Zhao Yao was still confronting the group of regional magnates, including Situ Xiguang and Lu Song.
As for the six Directors who had been gaining experience in Qiu Nation's court—two were promoted, two demoted, and the remaining two were directly taken away by the Ministry of Justice.
None of them had noticed that near the giant map, a man in a blue shirt with his hands behind his back had been standing for quite a while.
By the time they noticed something was wrong, Chen Ping'an was already asking Deputy General Huang Mexian of Han Province about some military deployment matters. Afterward, Chen Ping'an only discussed with Zhao Yao Wei Xianrou's exceptional promotion.
Situ Xiguang, Lu Song, and the other regional magnates of Han Province—the self-styled "shadow emperors"—didn't dare speak.
They weren't afraid of any Sword Immortal or Hidden Official's realm or status. They were afraid of a new National Teacher whose style too closely resembled the Embroidery Tiger's.
In the past: "So if you disagree with my political views, then you are wrong."
Now: "My relationship with Great Li is like sending charcoal in the snow—I provide timely help. Great Li's relationship with me, Chen Ping'an, is like adding flowers to brocade—it's merely an enhancement. You'd do well to keep that in mind."
The sun was rising higher. The sky was cloudless, a single sheet of blue. In the distance, the immortal sect's mountain peaks appeared like a cluster of swords, each striking the eye. One peak in particular had a peculiar color atop it, like a lady wearing a flower in her hair.
The hermits of the immortal path lived in seclusion here. When they occasionally left the mountains, they were either Protecting Nation True Persons or offerings to powerful clans.
The three visitors began to enter the mountains. Streams wound with the mountains; they followed the streams. The peaks were shrouded in mist, water light and cloud vapor brushing against their clothes.
Walking along the mountain path, Xie Gou grinned. "Young Master, aren't you going to see those Ma brothers in Qiu Nation's capital? It'd be interesting. I sneaked a few looks at them earlier—tsk, remarkable. Both have hearts like solid rock. I had to see them in a new light."
The two brothers in the capital of Jade Xuan Nation, Ma Chuan and Ma Bi, had circumstances far more miserable than those currently in the Soaring Sect. After waking from dreams, would they die? The dreams had already prepared a path for them to be reborn as animals. Want to shave their heads and become monks, escaping the mundane world? There was no such easy way out. Chen Ping'an had long since let them try that, thoroughly blocking that escape route.
Xie Gou started opening her mouth wide, going "Ah, ah, ah," letting the echoes bounce through the empty valley. She urged Xiao Mo to try it too—it was fun.
Xiao Mo, however, was discussing serious matters with his young master. "Not a single death. It's practically a miracle."
Chen Ping'an said, "Which of them isn't a shrewd operator? Each one, within the established rules, had to ensure things were done flawlessly, without a single blemish. After all, the Emperor, the National Teacher's Office, the ministers of the Six Ministries—everyone qualified for the small court meetings in the Imperial Study—was watching their every move."
Xiao Mo asked, "Young Master, next up is the mutual inspection and mutual surveillance among the Ministries of Justice, War, and Personnel?"
Chen Ping'an replied, "Just watch."
Xiao Mo asked, "What can Xie Gou and I do?"
Chen Ping'an said, "The very existence of the two of you as a Daoist couple is the greatest contribution."
Xiao Mo nodded.
Xie Gou stiffened her face, turned her head, and imitated that Mili's grin like a winnowing basket.
In the Jade Boat Sect's various peaks and branches, many Ancestral Hall members had died silently today. They were either Dao prodigies whom the Sect Leader Fu Xian, with his Dao name "Ling Pei," had high hopes for, or the direct and indirect disciples of that venerable, seclusion-founding Ancestral Master.
From beginning to end, the old immortal hadn't explained a single word. His authority was deep. When the Ancestral Master personally emerged to clean house, who would dare question him? Weren't they afraid of being cleaned up as well? Pang Yun, who claimed to be at the Golden Core realm but was really at the Nascent Soul realm—once his sect nephew Fu Xian died, in his own sect, the old man could claim to be at the Jade Perfection realm if he wanted.
Earlier, Fu Xian had taken a direct disciple down the mountain to Qiu Nation's capital. But the one who returned was only that disciple. He came rushing back on the wind, sorrowful, stumbling across the main hall threshold, kneeling in the Ancestral Hall, weeping inconsolably, saying that his master had ridden a crane to the Daoist mountains. The Ancestral Master, who seldom came out of seclusion, was gloomy-faced and said that such a failure—good for nothing but ruining things—had nearly destroyed their sect's seven hundred years of foundation. Why mention him? Dead is dead. Remove his seat. Dying outside saved trouble. Don't even think of having a portrait hung in the Ancestral Hall. Erase him from the registry!
After roughly interrogating Huo Ling and going through the motions, Pang Yun consoled and encouraged this survivor. He told him not to overthink it—treat it as a worldly trial to temper his Dao heart. Now that the Jade Boat Sect was at a critical moment, they needed people.
Pang Yun also, on a whim, accepted a personal disciple. It turned out to be an insignificant outer sect servant—a tremendous fortune! A carp leaping over the dragon gate!
Inside the Ancestral Hall was also a round-faced girl of unknown identity. She didn't sit down, just wandered around the hall, looking at the couplets on the pillars, touching the gilded pillars. Pang Yun didn't introduce her origins, letting everyone guess.
She was also surnamed Fu, but she came from the Divine Edict Sect. Golden Core realm, sword cultivator.
Pang Yun only needed to know one thing: her deceased great-grandfather was the Daoist lecturer of Divine Edict Sect's Heavenly Lord Qi Zhen.
Fu Ji had a very senior status in the Divine Edict Sect. She also held the position of a military accompanying cultivator from Great Li's Han Province. She was staying at the Jade Boat Sect to wait for a few junior sect members to arrive. They were busy at other immortal sects, and though they weren't old in Dao age, they were all seasoned travelers in the mundane world.
Fu Ji had looked at the portraits of the Jade Boat Sect's past ancestors who had passed away.
She inexplicably thought of Sister He, who had gone to establish her own sect in Beiju Luzhou.
Sister He was both a cultivation genius and the previous de facto manager of the Divine Edict Sect. Yet she often said that Daoists looking at mountains and rivers easily grew weary.
At the mountain gate archway of the Jade Boat Sect, a pair of young men and women with similar features dispelled their invisibility technique, pressed down their cloud, and descended gracefully.
The man wore a Daoist crown, was elegant and refined, with a pitch-black Binding Demon Rope around his waist. The woman had a cold, stern, exceptionally icy beauty, with a green-and-yellow bamboo-jointed Ghost Beating Whip hanging from her waist.
The two immortals—whether siblings or not—seemed to be waiting for someone. They weren't in a hurry to ascend the mountain. The gatekeeper cultivator, both inferior and secretly infatuated, swallowed the words "Closed today, no guests" that had been on his lips.
Soon, a rosy-cheeked, red-lipped youth immortal, also wearing a hibiscus-petal Daoist crown, came speeding on a dazzling cloud, quickly bypassing peak after peak, like a ribbon dragged across the sky. He landed heavily at the mountain gate, and with a grand sleeve, swept away the dust.
The young man, seeing him, habitually teased, "Short-legged flashy show-off, you sure have a lot of immortal aura."
The young Dao boy laughed heartily. Short legs? He shook his waist, about to crack a lewd joke, but was silenced by a cold sideways glare from the woman.
Already having seen the three Divine Edict Sect Daoists, Xie Gou asked curiously, "Mountain Lord, I've never asked—what are we doing here?"
Chen Ping'an tucked his hands into his sleeves, thought for a moment, and said with a gentle smile, "This is a strange tale from many years ago."