On that day, an announcement was issued from Taiping Palace.
The general meaning is that Ji Qingzhi does not have much time left. In order to better inherit Taiping's will, all heroes are asked to nominate someone who can take on the responsibility and participate in a public competition in one month. The winner will take over the position of Taoist master.
In just half a day, the news spread throughout Taiping Township and spread outward through various channels.
The ones who are most interested in this are the only two remaining ancient clans, the Zheng and Lin families.
Zheng family ship.
Zheng Wu, who had become an external deacon, was waiting silently.
Not long after, Zheng Tong, the head of the side branch, walked in.
"The master has given the order."
Zheng Tong's face was extremely solemn. "If my Zheng family cannot take the position of the next Taoist master, we must not let the Lin family take it. For this, we must spare no effort."
"this……"
Zheng Wu was stunned and somewhat confused.
He was waiting here, waiting to see who the direct descendant would let participate in the competition.
I never expected that I would receive such an order that leaves no room for maneuver and targets the Lin family.
"In this case, won't the position of Dao Master definitely fall into the hands of the Fang family?"
Zheng Wu said thoughtfully, "But what kind of conflict has arisen between the Lin family and the direct lineage?"
"It has nothing to do with the Lin family. It's the Fang family's problem."
Zheng Tong shook his head and said in a hoarse voice: "The direct lineage of the Fang family... has been destroyed by Dou Tianyuan."
"What?!"
Zheng Wu's whole body trembled violently and he cried out in horror.
The Fang family was destroyed?
That’s an ancient clan with a long heritage just like the Zheng family. How could it be destroyed just like that?
Not to mention believing it, he hadn't even thought about this question.
Even if the ancient clan was destroyed, it could only be because of the other two ancient clans joining forces, or...
"The court has found the location of the Spring and Autumn Tomb?"
Zheng Fei was somewhat bewildered. "I once heard from the direct descendant that the Fang family's Spring and Autumn Tomb is extremely hidden. Even if the three families exchange their children, anyone who wants to go to the Spring and Autumn Tomb needs to conceal their perception before they can enter..."
"It's not the imperial court, it's Dou Tianyuan."
Zheng Tong shook his head.
"What?!"
Zheng Wu stood up suddenly, "Is Dou Tianyuan so strong?!"
"I can't believe it either, but this is what the head of the family said himself."
Zheng Tong sighed, "Before the Fang family was destroyed, it was Fang Shuyue, the head of the Fang family, who passed the news to the side branches. Not only did he point out Dou Tianyuan, but he also caused the side branches to flee in all directions... My Zheng family just happened to capture a group of the Fang family's side branches."
After hearing this, Zheng Wu no longer had any reason to doubt, and his expression became as ugly as it could be.
"The Fang family is so big that it's gone just like that. The imperial court is making a big move."
Zheng Wu spoke with difficulty, worriedly saying, "Is it a bit too much to confront the Lin family at this time..."
"A bit impulsive, right?"
Zheng Tong shook his head. "The head of the family has already explained this."
"It has been nearly four months since the Fang family was destroyed, and the imperial court has not taken any further action. Dou Tianyuan has also been staying in the capital."
"The head of the family guessed that the Fang family accidentally exposed the location of the Spring and Autumn Tomb, which gave Dou Tianyuan the opportunity."
"As for our Zheng family and Lin family, even if the imperial court wants to do something, it will be unable to do anything."
“So there’s no need to worry about that.”
Is that so...
Zheng Wu couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"Don't be too optimistic, this is not a good thing."
Zheng Tong suddenly spoke, his tone somewhat heavy.
"It's not a good thing..."
Zheng Wu was shocked and asked, "Why do you say that?"
"Why have the three ancient clans been able to live in peace until now?"
Zheng Tong asked, and then answered himself: "Because they are three ancient clans, not two ancient clans."
"Three ancient clans, four great caves."
"The extra Hundred Herb Garden, together with the Taiping Dao, will be controlled by the three ancient clans in turn."
"No matter which family controls the Taiping Dao, the other two families will form a subtle alliance during this period of time."
"Once the ancient clan that controls the Taiping Dao attempts to dominate alone, it will be resisted by the other two clans."
“So, although there are differences in strength among the three ancient clans, the balance has never been truly broken.”
"Until now..."
Zheng Tong's expression was extremely solemn. "Now that the Fang family has been destroyed, there will definitely be a fierce battle between the Zheng and Lin families."
This principle is easy to understand.
Without the three-way balance of power, no matter whether it is the Zheng family or the Lin family, whoever controls the Taiping Dao and Baicao Garden will cause the balance that has already been destroyed to disappear completely.
No matter how good the relationship was in the past, there will no longer be trust between each other at this time.
"I see."
Zheng Wu slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air and asked, "What should I do?"
"For the competition in Taiping Township, the head of the family guessed that the Lin family would send out their direct descendants, so our Zheng family will also send their direct descendants."
Zheng Tong replied, "Our mission is to make another preparation."
"Another plan?"
Zheng Wu's face turned serious.
"If the direct descendant of my Zheng family can win the position of Taoist master, that would be great, but the head of the family said that this hope is not great. What is more likely to happen is that both the Zheng and Lin families will suffer losses."
Zheng Tong said, looking at Zheng Wu meaningfully, "If this is the case, who will be the winner in the end?"
"this……"
Zheng Wu thought about it, and his eyes suddenly flashed with brilliance: "Hua family or Nan family!"
"That's right."
Zheng Tong nodded. "The Xie family sided with the imperial court, the Fang family was destroyed, only two of the three ancient clans remained, and only four of the six major families remained."
"With the Zheng family and the Lin family ruled out, the most likely candidates are the Huanan and Nan families, who have relatively more abundant resources like our branch."
"Unfortunately, the three families of Hua, Nan, and Xie are all small forces that cannot be put on the stage. They can be destroyed with a wave of a hand and have never been taken seriously by the three ancient clans."
"At least, the Lin family has no relationship with these two families."
"In comparison, our Zheng family has such a maverick guy who maintains a good relationship with the Huanan family."
Zheng Tong laughed as he spoke. "Many people in the tribe laughed at you for being so self-indulgent. I was also very puzzled at that time, but now it seems that what you did was right."
"It was just an unintentional act..."
Zheng Wu scratched his head in embarrassment. "My relationship with the Hua Nan family is not that close. I was just in charge of the Taiping Dao affairs in a neighboring province, and we had close cooperation on the matter of the 'Marquis of Taiping'."
"Don't underestimate this."
Zheng Tong shook his head. "With this, our Zheng family will be able to win over the Huanan family more smoothly... and at this time, if we are one step ahead of the Lin family, we will never fall behind again."
"Without further delay, I will contact the Huanan family right away."
Zheng Wu looked serious and turned to walk out.
Almost at the same time.
The Lin family's ship in another sea area also excluded the descendants of side branches and began to contact the Huanan and Nan families.
It’s just a pity that the Lin family does not have a ready-made method of contact, and the information needs to be passed through the Taiping Dao halls on land.
As Zheng Tong said, if you take one step slowly, all steps will be slow.
Unfortunately, both Zheng Tong and the head of the Zheng family's direct lineage were wrong.
The so-called fight is nothing more than a trick to lure someone into a trap.
As early as the very beginning, the Dao Master had already determined it.
They were determined by a powerful existence that they were unable to contend with.
…
…
Daqing capital.
Flowers were scattered all over the city, red carpets were rolled out for hundreds of miles, gongs and drums were deafening, and acrobatics and operas filled the streets.
All businesses, whether sedentary or peddling, were subsidized by the royal family and were allowed to operate for one day for free with normal supplies.
The people of Beijing participated enthusiastically, sharing the celebration with the whole city with doubts and confusion.
In fact, as early as half a month ago, on the second day of the grand court meeting, an imperial edict was distributed throughout the country, paving the way for today's ceremony of enthroning the king.
But even to this day, when people actually witness the ceremony, they still find it hard to believe.
It is true that this newly-appointed prince is so noble.
It’s okay for a king of a different surname, although it’s the first time, but it’s possible that he has made some outstanding contribution, and it’s difficult to reward him without making him a king.
But the Regent?
What does that mean?
Just after being crowned a king, he can override the cabinet?
No, not just the Cabinet.
Regent while His Majesty is still alive?
Is this a coronation or a usurpation of the throne?
With this thought in mind, the people spent a very anxious half month.
Fortunately, not only has the past half month been peaceful, but today a city-wide celebration was also held together with the ceremony.
Those high-ranking officials and dignitaries have also appeared in public with smiles on their faces.
Gradually, the people put their worries aside and immersed themselves in it.
As the protagonist of today, after Xu Chong finished the ceremony, he did not stay in the palace to share the banquet with the royal officials, but appeared on the bustling streets with the Crown Princess Jiang Shengjun.
"Jun'er has never seen such a joyful scene."
Jiang Shengjun's eyes widened as he kept scanning these new things.
"Today you are not the Crown Princess, nor the Princess, but just Jun'er."
Xu Chong smiled and said, "No one here will know you, you can do whatever you want."
"real?"
Jiang Shengjun's eyes sparkled.
Xu Chong didn't say anything, but picked up a candied haws from a passing straw target and handed it to Jiang Shengjun.
From the surface, the candied haws from Daqing are no different from those from another world, except that they lack a thin film to block dust, making it difficult to ensure their cleanliness.
But Jiang Shengjun is a warrior, so he doesn't need to care about this.
"The method of making this thing was passed down from the imperial palace. However, due to its low cost, it was sought after by the common people. Then the imperial family stopped liking it and it gradually disappeared from the imperial palace. You probably haven't tasted it yet."
Xu Chong raised his chin and said, "Try it, it's very sweet."
"Uh-huh."
Jiang Shengjun took the candied haws and bit off the whole thing in one bite without doubting Xu Chong's words.
Then……
“Aaaaaaaaa——”
Jiang Shengjun's face wrinkled into a ball, and he swallowed saliva without chewing. After a while, he finally adjusted and said angrily: "You lied! It's obviously very sour!"
"This is the first principle I taught you, which you have already learned but did not understand."
Xu Chong suppressed his evil smile and said righteously: "Don't easily believe what anyone says, because it may be a lie."
"lie?"
Jiang Shengjun pursed his lips in grievance, "But I obviously trust you..."
“Trust is not wrong, but trust must be based on understanding.”
Xu Chong continued, "You have never seen a candied haws, so you would be curious, eager, and greedy. But what if the candied haws is not sour, but poisonous? What will happen to you?"
"Will...will I die?"
Jiang Shengjun took a look at the candied haws in his hand and immediately felt even more disgusted.
"on the contrary."
Xu Chong added, "If you had seen it and tasted it, you would know what it tastes like, and you would be able to tell that I was lying, and thus think that I might have other purposes."
"Then, you will pay attention to my expressions, movements, and possible eye contact with the vendor just now."
"If I really wanted to poison you, I would have arranged for that vendor to appear."
"Even if he doesn't know my true identity, he should know that I am the one who gave him the order."
"In this way, there will be subtle differences in body movements, facial expressions and eyes."
Xu Chong patiently guided the students, broke down the principles into the most understandable form, and gave the correct approach.
In fact, these things are all taught in the royal family, but Xu Chong understands better than anyone that in order to put what he has learned into practice, there is still a step of learning and knowing.
Learning, understanding, and applying are the complete process.
However, the royal teaching lacks the practical link, which makes applying what you have learned just empty talk in many aspects.
At Jiang Shengjun's age, he still has plenty of time to slowly understand these principles, just like the path Jiang Xinghe and Emperor Yongtai took before him.
But unfortunately, the heavy responsibility of being the regent wiped out this period of growth.
As for why Jiang Shengjun was allowed to be the regent...
There is a high probability that Emperor Yongtai will go out of bounds, and he might even die outside of bounds one day.
Neither Lou Youzhi, who had only ten years left to live, nor Zhang Shunyi, who had already been appointed as the Prime Minister, wanted Daqing to see a situation where the emperor ignored state affairs and the ministers took care of everything.
In this case, Jiang Shengjun must grow up quickly.
Fortunately, although Jiang Shengjun was young, he was very precocious and quickly understood the significance of Xu Chong's actions.
"Thank you, Lord Regent, for your teachings, Jun'er."
Jiang Shengjun performed the disciple's salute seriously.
"Well, let's go and try something else."
Xu Chong took the candied haws string that was missing one piece from Jiang Shengjun's hand and stuffed it into the mouth of the kid running by.
"Ah? Anything else?"
Jiang Shengjun was somewhat unhappy, fearing that Xu Chong would cheat him again.
"Don't worry, I've been in the capital for so long, and I haven't tried much of the food here. I can't fool you even if I want to."
Xu Chong smiled and said, "Let's try them all today."
This time, Jiang Shengjun observed Xu Chong very carefully, and after a moment he nodded: "Okay."
Next, Xu Chong took the Crown Princess Regent and wandered around the streets and alleys of the capital.
A variety of snacks, acrobatics, singing and dancing, really made us experience the joy of the celebration.
When they were about to return to the palace, they passed by a shop and heard the sound of fierce bargaining.
"Your deer is small, but has a big frame. You can tell at a glance that it doesn't have much meat. Yet you dare to ask for so much money? Do you have any conscience?"
"Hey, hey, you can't say that. It's a little small, but it's a hooktail deer that can only be found in Xuezhou. It has less meat but it's firm and not dry. It tastes delicious. It's far better than those big grassland deer in the ranches outside the city. If you spend more money here, you can sell more after you kill it."
"It is a hook tail, but if the customers can't recognize it, how can I sell it for a lower price? No, you have to lower it a little bit."
"I really can't lower it. How about this, next time..."
The two of them were pulling each other back and forth.
This was nothing. Deer meat was one of the main meats of the Qing people. Jiang Shengjun had known about it for a long time. Although she had never seen it, she had eaten a lot of it.
But as luck would have it, the tied deer turned its head and let out a series of wailing sounds towards Jiang Shengjun.
Yo Yo——
“…”
Jiang Shengjun stopped, looking reluctant.
Xu Chong sighed.
To be honest, this kind of compassion for animals is extremely ridiculous and childish in the context of the feudal world.
Because no one will understand and no one will accept the theory of ecological balance.
Here, many creatures that are not protected by the law have only the survival of the fittest and the law of the jungle for their survival.
But it is precisely in this context that even if Jiang Shengjun’s kindness is wrong, it should at least not be despised.
"When you protect a certain existence, you will destroy the interests of other existences, such as your own."
Xu Chong said this and walked towards the two people who were arguing.
Jiang Shengjun didn't understand, but still followed behind obediently.
"Uncle, how much do you sell this for?"
Xu Chong asked.
"Hmm? Young Master, you have good taste!"
The old man selling the deer was overjoyed and was about to brag about his deer.
"Is fifty taels enough?"
Xu Chong directly took out a large silver ingot.
“…”
The deer seller was stunned, and so was the butcher's shop owner.
The price they were bargaining for just now was between twelve and fourteen taels.
Fifty taels is already four times the price.
"That's enough."
The deer seller swallowed his saliva, his eyes widened as he stared at the silver ingot: "This is the first time I've seen someone so generous. You must really like eating hooktail deer, right?"
"deer?"
Xu Chong raised an eyebrow, "I thought it was a horse. If it was a deer, I wouldn't buy it."
As he said this, he was about to take the silver back.
“Hey hey hey!”
The deer seller was in great pain, and without thinking, he quickly said, "It was the old man who made a mistake. This is a horse, a horse."
As he spoke, he winked at the butcher frantically.
As for its significance, there is no need to explain it.
The butcher responded instantly and started to chime in, "Yes, yes, it's just a pony, how can it be a deer? Old man Hu, you are really confused."
Xu Chong didn't say anything, handed over the silver, took the rope tied to the deer from the deer seller, and left with Jiang Shengjun.
Behind me, I could hear conversations about dividing the spoils and making sarcastic remarks.
After walking a long way, Jiang Shengjun couldn't help but speak: "Jun'er understands that you saved it and lost your money, but... but Jun'er has seen a horse..."
"so what?"
Xu Chong stopped, turned around and looked at Jiang Shengjun, pointing at the deer: "Do you think it's a deer?"
“That should be it…”
Jiang Shengjun said uncertainly, "It's in the atlas, and it looks very similar to it."
"hehe."
Xu Chong smiled and was about to say something when he suddenly saw a figure not far away. He was moved and shouted, "Xiang Fuyin? What a coincidence."
"Uh... Your Majesty?!"
The figure turned around and saw Xu Chong's face clearly. He was shocked and ran over to him and bowed deeply: "Your humble servant pays respect to His Royal Highness the Regent."
As the prefect of Dingtian Prefecture, who is of the third rank, Xiang Tianqing was qualified to enter the palace during court meetings, so he could naturally recognize Xu Chong at a glance.
As for Jiang Shengjun, who was dressed more casually, he was simply ignored by him.
"No need to be so polite."
Xu Chong smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Just now, the prince and the princess were arguing, and I happened to see the governor Xiang dispersing his duties. Please ask the governor to come over and make a judgment."
Debate, Crown Princess, judgement.
These three words shocked Xiang Tianqing directly and made him understand what kind of situation he was in. For a moment, it was not right to bow again, nor was it right not to bow.
Fortunately...
Fortunately, the Crown Princess is still young, and as long as she follows the Regent's wishes, she should not be blamed.
Thinking of this, Xiang Tianqing's panic calmed down a little, and he said, "I am a lowly official, so I have no right to comment. But since Your Majesty thinks highly of me, I will dare to say something... I wonder what this dispute is about?"
"The princess said it was a deer, but I thought it was a horse."
Xu Chong narrowed his eyes and raised the rope in his hand, "I wonder what the prefect thinks?"
“…”
With a swish, Xiang Tianqing broke out in a cold sweat.
He thought it would be some profound principle for governing the world, but he didn't expect it to be such a simple matter.
Is it simple?
Looking at the problem on the surface, it is indeed simple.
Because it was a deer, a hook-tailed deer that was often on the dining tables of the rich and powerful.
It’s not simple, that’s what the Regent said.
The Regent can't tell whether it's a deer or a horse?
Is this possible?
So obviously the question is no longer whether the deer is on the horse, but the regent's intention.
Thinking of this, Xiang Tianqing gritted his teeth and said, "Please forgive me, Your Highness. If I haven't walked far, this is a foal, not a deer."
"Is that so..."
Jiang Shengjun was at a loss.
This is different from what the book says.
Is there something wrong with what is written in the book?
"Thank you for your help."
Xu Chong nodded expressionlessly.
Xiang Tianqing acted as if he had been pardoned. He confessed his crime and left quickly.
His back soaked in sweat made him stand out in the crowd.
"Now I'll tell you."
Xu Chong squatted down and looked at Jiang Shengjun who was still doubting himself. "What you see with your eyes may not be true."
"Because the truth will be covered up by power."
"Just like the prefect Xiang just now."
"He succumbed to my power and had no choice but to go against his will and lie with his eyes open."
"If you encounter and recognize this situation, what you need to do is to stick to your own ideas."
"Just like this."
"You were right from the beginning."
Xu Chong put the rope into Jiang Shengjun's hand, "It's just a deer. No matter who says it's a horse, it will always be a deer...even if I say so."
Jiang Shengjun held the rope tightly and tilted his head to think.
After a long time, his eyes gradually brightened.
"Mother said that you are the reincarnation of the ancestor, who came to save the world, and asked Jun'er to listen to you."
Jiang Shengjun suddenly opened his mouth and talked about something else.
"Um?"
Xu Chong raised his eyebrows, "Why do you say that?"
"Jun'er can feel that you have always been doing Jun'er's best, including during the big exam."
Jiang Shengjun said to himself, "But Jun'er knows that you are not the reincarnation of the ancestor."
"this……"
Xu Chong thought about it, then smiled and said, "I see, because you met another ancestor in the Daqing Arsenal, right?"
"Ah? How do you know this?!"
As if a little secret had been exposed, a trace of panic flashed in Jiang Shengjun's eyes.
"Because I am that ancestor."
Xu Chong found it quite interesting and blinked, "I also asked Jun'er two questions at that time, Mingyu Jin and Zhefeng Hand, remember?"
"You are..."
Jiang Shengjun opened his mouth wide, was stunned for a while, and frowned again, "If you are really the ancestor, then who is the other person named Jiang Wang?"
"Jiang Wang?!"
Xu Chong's pupils suddenly shrank into the size of needles.