【Under the Great Tomorrow】(77)

【The Great Ming Dynasty】

Author: hui329
Published: 2018/4/27 First Published Word
Count: 15854

Chapter 77 Clever Calculation, Victory in Hand, Losing the Initiative, Rain and Clouds Overturn

The moon hung high in the sky, bright and clear.

Baili Ben stood in the courtyard, his face ashen.

"Kill them all!!!"

He shouted hoarsely, but no one moved.

Ding Shou picked at his ear, "Gentlemen, Lord Baili's voice is hoarse from shouting, please give him
a shout ."

Everyone laughed, and a chiliarch stepped forward and bowed slightly, saying, "This humble officer, Yang Yu, may I
ask , sir, is there an imperial edict to execute Commander Ding?"

Baili Ben said with a gloomy face, "I have the military tally, which is the proof."

"Lord Shi has already been murdered, and there is no way to verify this. How did you get this military tally? Can you explain?" Yang Yu
pressed.

"Well said." Ding Shou nodded repeatedly, then turned to Baili Ben and said, "Lord Baili, it's quite a coincidence.
Most of the palace guards on duty tonight are those who fought alongside me in Haidong.
It won't be easy for you to get them to turn against me with your bare hands."

Baili Ben sneered, "Lord Ding, you've indeed come prepared." "

I underestimated Lord Baili's methods. You actually tried to kill Lord Shi. Alas!" Ding Shou
shook and sighed.

"What evidence do you have that I killed Shi Wenyi?" Baili Ben stood with his arms crossed, chin raised.

A scream rang out, and Zhang Biao suddenly collapsed to the ground, a dagger embedded in his back, hilt deep.

Qian Ning gripped a short dagger tightly, its cold light gleaming, and swiftly thrust it forward, causing several of Baili Ben's henchmen to cry out in pain
and fall to the ground .

"Qian Ning!" Baili Ben shouted sharply, unleashing a powerful strike with his iron pen, "Vermilion Brush Dotting the Book," aimed directly at Qian Ning.

Qian Ning quickly rolled away from the circle, the palace guards behind him suddenly splitting up. Qian Ning
flipped over and landed in the crowd, then the guards regrouped, concealing him.

Though Qian Ning was invisible, his voice rang out clearly, "I am a witness to Baili Ben's plot to murder Lord Shi!
"

"Qian Ning, you despicable villain!" Baili Ben cursed at the crowd, charging forward. With

a "whoosh," the front-row guards raised their longswords high, unleashing a flurry of blows.

Baili Ben tapped the tip of one of the longswords with his iron judge's pen, using the momentum to leap up.

The second-row guards crouched, and the third-row armored soldiers stepped on the shoulders of the front-row guards, suddenly leaping together and slashing with their swords.

Baili Ben was in mid-air, with nowhere to gain leverage. Seeing the dense forest of swords rushing towards him, with no way to avoid it, and about to be torn to pieces
in the blink of an eye , he suddenly felt a lightness in his body, followed by a sharp pain, and was thrown into the courtyard.

With two "whoosh" sounds, three rows of guards landed, becoming the first row. The original first row of armored soldiers retreated,
becoming the second row, still standing like a wall, immovable as a mountain.

"Charging straight into the army formation alone, are you really stupid or just pretending?" Ding Shou frowned, looking at
Baili Ben, who was dazed and confused after being thrown around.

Baili Ben struggled to his feet, glaring with bloodshot eyes, and said fiercely, "Why didn't you let me die?"

"Your life is very valuable." Ding Shou said frankly, telling the truth: "Second Master made a deal with Weng Taibei.
His offer was very tempting, and I couldn't refuse."

"Uncle Weng betrayed me?" Baili Ben couldn't believe it, nor did he want to believe it.

"Brother Baili, you are too confident." Ding Shou said jokingly, and couldn't help but recall
the scene of his meeting with Weng Taibei...

*** *** *** ***

Northern Garrison Command, Imperial Prison.

Inside the bars, Weng Taibei sat on the ground, calm and composed.

Outside the fence, Ding Shou leaned back in his chair, leisurely and content.

"I am now a toothless tiger, why should Lord Ding be so wary?" Weng Taibei asked with a smile.

"Lord Weng is a man of great talent. Though you are currently a hidden dragon and
crouching tiger, given the right opportunity, you can rise to power in an instant. Being cautious is never a bad thing."

"Besides..." Ding Shou crossed his legs contentedly, a smug look on his face, "This serves as
a reminder to me to be careful in my official duties and conduct, lest I end up like you."

"Well said." Weng Taibei wasn't angry; instead, he nodded repeatedly. "I was careless for a moment, and suffered a crushing defeat. I deserve to be
trapped in shallow waters, a tiger fallen into the plains."

Ding Shou's composure was quite good today; he didn't seem to mind being compared to a shrimp or a dog, and said leisurely, "Lord Weng
summoned me here, surely not just for a few words?"

"Of course not. I wish to make a deal with Lord Ding."

"Your father-in-law and son-in-law are imprisoned and barely able to protect themselves. Your daughter is living in constant fear at the escort agency.
I ca n't imagine what leverage you have left for this transaction."

As if remembering something, Ding Shou continued, "If it concerns the petty
schemes , then there's no need to mention it."

Weng Taibei looked surprised, not because he was astonished that Ding Shou knew about Baili Ben's plan, but because he was puzzled by something else. "
How do you know about my relationship with Baili Ben?"

Weng Taibei was in charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and was known for his impartiality. Although he had brought Baili Ben into the government, he had never
mentioned to anyone that the two were from the same school, something even his own daughter didn't know. How did this kid know?

"Kung Fu, huh?" Ding Shou smiled smugly. "What Baili Ben learned was the Kunlun School's Thunderous Iron Pen. The movement technique you used
when you snatched the Jade Doll from the Yun Family Manor was none other than the Kunlun School's ultimate skill, 'Cloud Dragon Three Folds'..."

"Cloud Dragon Three Folds" is a secret technique of the Kunlun School, and even within the school, few have mastered it, let alone those in the martial arts
world Its spiraling upward movement is very similar to the Wudang Ladder Cloud Leap. On that day
, when the situation was critical, Weng Taibei used it. Even with the experience of the Qingcheng School's leader, Changchunzi, he misjudged it,
but Ding Shou saw through it.

"Such insight at such a young age, Lord Ding, I'm truly
curious ."

Ding Shou waved his hand. "That's irrelevant to today's topic. Those bastards in the Directorate of Ceremonial are plotting something against us
. If Lord Weng has nothing else, I'll take my leave."

With that, Ding Shou rose to leave, but after Weng Taibei said something, he obediently sat back down.

*** *** *** ***

Thinking of how he was completely under Weng Taibei's thumb, Ding Shou felt somewhat resentful. Looking at
Baili Ben, who was surrounded in the encirclement, Ding Shou said loudly, "Brother Baili, surrender and I will guarantee your safety."

Baili Ben seemed unconvinced. "Is that really true? I have committed a heinous crime tonight."

"Weng Taibei paid a high price for your life," Ding Shou sighed, somewhat helplessly. "If you die
, I will not be able to explain myself. I have no choice but to do my best to protect you."

Baili Ben clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying with a hint of mockery, "In that case, I thank Lord Ding."

"It's a mutually beneficial arrangement, no need to be polite," Ding Shou said.

"From childhood to adulthood, no matter what trouble I caused, my martial uncle always covered for me. I thought I could
repay , but in the end..." Baili Ben's voice trailed off, his head drooping lower and lower, as if
he was lost in memories of the past.

Ding Shou couldn't wait any longer. "Brother Baili, there are still many things to do tonight, and I don't have much time to waste.
"

Baili Ben suddenly raised his head, a bitter smile on his face. "This humble official will not trouble Lord Ding to forgive me. Farewell."

He cried out to the sky, "Brother Qu, I apologize to you." Baili Ben's iron judge's pen suddenly reversed
, piercing through his chest in an instant.

Ding Shou's figure blurred as he rushed to his side, but Baili Ben was already beyond saving.

He was a man of courage, but wasn't this giving Second Master a difficult problem? How was he going to explain to Weng Taibei? Ding Shou felt
that one troublesome thing after another was happening.

"My lord, what should we do?" Yang Yu stepped forward and asked.

"Old Yang, thanks to you for today's events." Ding Shou was relieved and smiled.

"You flatter me, sir. You have the imperial gold medal bestowed upon you by His Majesty, and you act on behalf of Heaven. It is merely our duty,"
Yang Yu replied, bowing. He then leaned forward and whispered, "Besides, the brothers are greatly grateful for your generous reward. Our journey to Haidong was not
in vain, and the entire court is deeply thankful."

"Thank you for your kindness," Ding Shou said loudly, patting Yang Yu's shoulder forcefully.

"Sir, is there anything else we can do?" Yang Yu asked.

Ding Shou took out several silver notes from his pocket and stuffed them into Yang Yu's arms, saying, "Distribute these to the brothers. Tonight
is a holiday; go and have some fun."

Yang Yu hesitated, clutching the silver notes. "We don't need to help tonight..."

Ding Shou waved his hand. "Go home and sleep. There's nothing important happening in the capital."

After dismissing the anxious Yang Yu and the others, Ding Shou suddenly stopped smiling and said coldly, "Qian Ning!"

"Your humble servant is here," Qian Ning stepped forward and bowed.

"How did Lord Shi die?" Ding Shou stared intently at Qian Ning.

Qian Ning cautiously glanced at Ding Shou, then quickly lowered his head and said, "Lord Shi was coerced by Baili Ben into
handing over his military seal. Baili Ben, in a fit of madness, killed him to silence him."

"Really?" Ding Shou's eyes flashed like cold lightning, making Qian Ning's back drenched in cold sweat.

"Absolutely true." Qian Ning insisted firmly, steeling his resolve, and continued, "This humble servant dares to speak."

"Speak." Ding Shou snorted coldly.

Qian Ning suddenly knelt down, "Your
Excellency, you are only twenty years old and yet you have already taken charge of the Northern Army. After tonight, your grand ambitions will unfold even further. Although Lord Shi is of mediocre talent and merely holds his position without contributing, he has not made any major mistakes. With him in charge of the Guards,
when rise to prominence? Today, Baili Ben's actions have truly removed a stumbling block for you."

"Perhaps it has also opened a path to heaven for you, Lord Qian," Ding Shou said with a hint of mockery
.

"This humble servant is utterly loyal to you, my lord, as heaven and earth bear witness." Qian Ning touched his forehead to the ground, remaining prostrate for a long time.

Ding Shou remained silent, slowly walking to Qian Ning's side.

Qian Ning knew that with Ding Shou's abilities, there was no chance of escape if he took his life. Today, he was risking his life, a fight to
the death . Though his face remained expressionless, cold sweat soaked through his clothes.

His eyes were fixed on the pink-soled official boots before him, and Qian Ning could almost hear his own heart pounding like
a .

Suddenly, a soft laugh came from above. "Well done, well done."

"Thank you, my lord." Qian Ning felt as if he had been granted a pardon, kowtowing three times before standing up. A night breeze blew,
and he felt his legs go weak, as if he had been reborn.

Ding Shou gazed at the bright moon in the night sky and said softly, "I thought no one would die tonight, but I never expected that the first to die
would be me, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Life is unpredictable..."

*** *** *** ***

Sihaiju.

The blue curtain was lifted, and Bai Shaochuan, dressed in white, entered with a leisurely air.

Fan Heng suddenly stood up and asked urgently, "Has the great undertaking succeeded?"

"I have successfully completed my mission," Bai Shaochuan replied calmly.

"Liu Jin is doomed." Fan Heng was overjoyed, sat down, and raised his cup to drink again.

"Why do you say that, Eunuch Fan?" Bai Shaochuan asked, looking surprised.

"What? Liu Jin drank your tea, Brother Bai, and he's still alive?" Fan Heng asked, puzzled.

"Eunuch Fan is too kind. The tea I offered to the Eunuch was personally brewed, using several old Changbai ginseng roots.
After drinking it, the Eunuch will only be vigorous and live a long life."

Fan Heng suddenly stood up. "You, you didn't poison it?"

Bai Shaochuan unfolded his folding fan, chuckled, and said, "Poison the Eunuch? Eunuch Fan, are you underestimating the Eunuch
, or are you looking down on me?"

"It doesn't matter." Fan Heng's face was ashen, quite ferocious. "I won't
consider ."

As soon as he finished speaking, Fan Heng's body shot up like a whirlwind, his palms striking towards Bai Shaochuan like lightning.

Bai Shaochuan didn't move, his face still calm and composed.

"Crash!" "Thump!" The thunderous sound came to an abrupt halt. Fan Heng did
n't before falling to the ground, rolling on the floor covered in broken porcelain and wine.

"The Grand Eunuch once said that Eunuch Fan's Divine Wind and Thunder Palm is unparalleled in the martial arts world, and I, Bai, must be wary." Bai Shaochuan
slowly walked to Fan Heng's side, lowered his body, and said, "The poison has indeed been administered, but it was in this room."

Fan Heng stared intently at Bai Shaochuan, his anger seemingly about to burn him to ashes, yet his body was weak and he couldn't
muster any strength.

"This 'Drunken Spring Breeze' was specially prepared by Yin Ye for you, Grand Eunuch, and it almost exhausted all
the pollen and herbal juices that I had accumulated in my flower garden over the years, so..." Bai Shaochuan gently shook his index finger, "Please don't waste your energy, sir."

Fan Heng wanted to curse, but he couldn't open his mouth, only glaring fiercely at Bai Shaochuan, but gradually his eyelids also closed.
Strength waned, and he drifted off to sleep.

"Third Master Bai..." The owner of Sihaiju stood fearfully outside the door.

"No need to worry, no murders or lawsuits will occur here." Bai Shaochuan turned, his lips parting slightly. "Please
find me a chess set, sir. The night is still long..."

*** *** *** ***

Inside the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Houzhao sat with a candle, his mind uneasy. Although Wang Yue had reported to the cabinet that they had agreed to only demote Liu Jin and
others to Nanjing, he still felt that something major was about to happen. Just

as he was feeling anxious, the young emperor suddenly heard a flurry of footsteps. Ma Yongcheng and others, led by Liu Jin
, quickly approached. Upon seeing Zhu Houzhao, they cried out "Your Majesty!" and rushed forward, kneeling before him,
kowtowing repeatedly and wailing.

"Old Liu, get up quickly." Zhu Houzhao felt a pang of pity seeing the servants around him sobbing
.

Wei Bin, clutching the corner of Zhu Houzhao's robe, wailed, "This servant has served Your Majesty for many years, and now
I will never see !"

Zhu Houzhao repeatedly said no, "I have already discussed this with the gentlemen of the cabinet. You will only be demoted to
the capital. Once the storm has passed, I will definitely summon you back."

"Your Majesty, tonight we will be torn apart and fed to the dogs." Liu Jin, tears welling in his eyes, said sorrowfully, "
We not worth dying for. I beg Your Majesty to take care of your health and not be saddened by our deaths."

"How could this be?" Zhu Houzhao was suddenly moved. "I have not issued any decree. What is the reason for saying this so abruptly?"

"Wang Yue and others colluded with foreign officials and tonight they forged an imperial decree to mobilize troops to eliminate us." Ma Yongcheng interjected.

"How could we do such a thing? Today, Old Wang even went to the cabinet three times to perform his duties because of you. He has worked very hard.
It must be due to rumors. Do not worry." Zhu Houzhao did not believe that Wang Yue would dare to be so audacious.

The group exchanged glances, then turned to Liu Jin, whose voice trembled with emotion. "Your Majesty," Liu Jin said, "Wang Yue and I
serve Your Majesty together, and the pleasures he brings are no less than ours. Why do these foreign officials only seek to harm us,
while sparing Wang Yue alone?"

"Why?" Zhu Houzhao was also puzzled. Why were Liu Jin and his associates so hated, so eager to be killed
?

"The foreign officials impeached me, all at Wang Yue's instigation. Considering they are mere dogs and hawks, what harm could they possibly do to the emperor? Wang Yue and his ilk intend to
form alliances with the cabinet ministers to control Your Majesty from within. Fearing we might interfere
, they preemptively struck." Liu Jin said in a deep voice, "Wang Yue and his ilk have stirred up trouble and purged dissidents; their intentions are clear. I hope Your Majesty will investigate thoroughly."

"Wang Yue is also a former member of the Eastern Palace. How could this be?" Zhu Houzhao still refused to believe it.

"Your Majesty!" A howl rang out from outside the hall, startling Zhu Houzhao. Who was this?

A figure swept through the hall like the wind, lunging forward upon seeing Zhu Houzhao. Before he was
even the figure stumbled and knelt, sliding down to the young emperor's knees and embracing his legs, weeping bitterly
.

Liu Jin's eye twitched involuntarily.

Wei Bin, primarily responsible for the crying scene, stared in disbelief as the newcomer snatched a corner of the emperor's robe and used it to blow
his nose.

Gu Dayong, kneeling in the back row, leaned down and whispered to Qiu Ju beside him, "That was too much."

Qiu Ju's lips curled into a cold smile, remaining silent.

"Ding Shou?! What happened to you?" Zhu Houzhao asked in surprise upon recognizing the newcomer.

"Your Majesty's favor has granted me a high position. Day and night, I have only thought of serving the Emperor and the country. If Your Majesty intends to punish me
, both thunder and rain are acts of imperial grace, and I dare not object. I beg Your Majesty to clearly state my crime, and I only ask to die knowing why."

"Who wants to kill you? What happened?" Zhu Houzhao exclaimed in surprise. Why was everyone saying he was going to be killed tonight
?

"Bai Liben, the Deputy Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, said that Wang Yue, the Director of Ceremonial, conveyed an imperial edict to execute me. I was fortunate to have martial
arts skills and escaped with my life. Commander Shi Wenyi has already been harmed. How could Your Majesty not know about all this?" Ding Shou
stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

"How dare you, you traitorous slave?" The death of a Jinyiwei commander left Zhu Houzhao no choice but to believe it. He gritted his teeth and said
, "The ministers of the Grand Secretariat are all loyal subjects of the late Emperor, yet they collude with Wang Yue! It's truly hateful!"

"Many high-ranking officials in the court are also arrogant and lawless. The ancestral laws stipulate checks and balances between the inner and outer courts—this is the principle. If
the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs had capable people to restrain them, how could the Left Assistant Minister dare to act like this?" Liu Jin said.

Zhu Houzhao clenched his fists, remaining silent.

Liu Jin and the others knelt and kowtowed again, "We are not to be pitied for our deaths, but we fear that from now on, many ministers will collude with the inner court
, wielding power arbitrarily, and controlling the Emperor. The Emperor will no longer be a ruler, and the ministers will no longer be ministers. Your Majesty will not be able to satisfy your desires."

Zhu Houzhao's chest heaved violently, but he still remained silent.

Ding Shou's eyes darted around. "Your Majesty, do you remember the first time we met..."

The sudden change of topic finally caught the young emperor's attention. He hesitated and asked, "Was it when we listened to the storytelling of
' Journey to the West'?"

"That's right." Ding Shou nodded and said, "Back then, Sun Wukong was no match for others and could only obediently submit
. But now Your Majesty has two paths to choose from: to fight hard and become a carefree and unrestrained Great Sage Equal to Heaven
, or to meekly become a clay or wooden statue of the Victorious Fighting Buddha?"

Ding Shou's words were quite disrespectful, but Zhu Houzhao was not angry. He simply stood up and silently walked out of
the Qianqing Palace.

"Eunuch Liu, what should we do?" Several people surrounded him and asked anxiously.

Liu Jin straightened his robes and said in a deep voice, "The time is almost right. You must isolate yourselves from the outside world and absolutely prevent the people from
the Directorate of Ceremonial from getting any news from here. Shou'er, come with me to serve the Emperor."

The young Zhu Houzhao, hunched over, walked alone into the Fengxian Hall on the east side of the Qianqing Palace—
the ancestral temple of the Ming emperors, the place where ancestors of all dynasties were worshipped.

When Liu Jin and Ding Shou entered, Zhu Houzhao was kneeling before the tablet of the Hongzhi Emperor, silently praying.

"Your Majesty," "Your Majesty," the two said at the same time.

"When I was little, my father often took me out of the palace at night, disguised as commoners. Old Liu, do you remember?" Zhu
Houzhao had his back to the two, but one could sense the smile in his voice.

Liu Jin smiled, "How could I not remember? It was this old servant who accompanied me on several occasions."

"Being born into the imperial family, even the simple joys of family life for ordinary people are a luxury," Zhu Houzhao's voice gradually turned
cold. "Once, when returning to the palace, passing through the Six Ministries Corridor, Father Emperor was extremely cautious and even told me not to speak loudly...
"

"I asked Father why, and he said there were people on duty in the Six Ministries' Hall, and it would be bad if we were seen..."

"I don't understand. Since they are subjects, why don't we dare see them? Father said..." Zhu Houzhao's
voice was devoid of warmth, "If they see us tonight, impeachments will be delivered to us tomorrow
..."

"This is the Emperor of the Great Ming, living so cautiously, as if walking on thin ice..." Zhu Houzhao began
to sneer, "When I first ascended the throne, I also wanted to be a benevolent ruler, a model of a sage, as Father had hoped,
yielding step by step to my subjects. Now, they have already begun to forge imperial edicts..."

Zhu Houzhao suddenly turned around, his face grim, "I am the ruler of the country, the master of all people. If a sage
emperor must be manipulated at the cost of being controlled, I would rather not be emperor..."

Liu Jin and Ding Shou exchanged a glance and knelt down in unison: "Please, Your Majesty, make a swift decision to avoid further hindrance!!"

*** *** *** ***

Sihai Residence, in a private room.

A solitary lamp, a game of Go.

Bai Shaochuan's slender, white fingers held a black piece, his delicate brows furrowed slightly, seemingly hesitant.
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Ding Shou entered

, lifting the curtain. "Brother Ding, you've come at the right time. Where should this piece be placed?" Bai Shaochuan smiled and invited Ding Shou to sit down.

Ding Shou picked up a black piece and casually placed it.

"This is illogical Go." Bai Shaochuan examined the Go board, shaking his head repeatedly.

"Tonight's game is going to be a chaotic one anyway. Who cares about logic or logic? As long as we win." Ding Shou was a terrible Go
player , resorting to sophistry.

"You're right." Bai Shaochuan, however, was composed and elegant, like jade and bamboo, agreeing with him, leaving
the troublemaking Ding Shou helpless.

Glancing at Fan Heng on the ground, Ding Shou asked, "He's not dead yet?"

Bai Shaochuan smiled and nodded.

A bowl of wine was splashed on the head of Fan Heng, the chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial. Fan Heng slowly opened his eyes, and
a smug face appeared before him.

"Greetings, Eunuch Fan. You've worked hard, Eunuch Fan." Ding Shou smiled sincerely, patting Fan Heng's hand
a few times in sympathy.

Overwhelmed with anger, Fan Heng rolled his eyes and immediately fainted.

Ding Shou got up helplessly, complaining to Bai Shaochuan, "Didn't you say he was alright?"

Bai Shaochuan gently lifted his hand, saying helplessly, "If you do this a few more times, he might really be in trouble."

"Then how can I question him?"

"No need to ask." Bai Shaochuan pointed to a bamboo tube on the table, "It's already been found."

*** *** *** ***

Directorate of Ceremonial.

Wang Yue and the others were also somewhat anxious.

"What time is it? Still no news?" Li Rong asked.

"There shouldn't be any problems, let's wait a little longer." Dai Yi comforted them.

"They're here! They've sent out the fireworks signal from Eunuch Fan's side. Liu Jin is dead!" Xu Zhi rushed in excitedly
.

"Good." Wang Yue stood up excitedly and said to the three men, "Follow the plan, immediately notify
all sides, and make sure it's done cleanly and secretly."

The three men understood what Wang Yue meant, nodded in understanding, and hurriedly left with their subordinates
.

"What a pity, Liu Jin, you were originally a talent." With the room empty, Wang Yue stood with his hands behind his back and sighed softly
.

*** *** *** ***

The moon was cold and the stars were dim.

Li Rong, with several trusted men, hurriedly bypassed the Wenhua Hall, and after crossing the small bridge ahead, they reached the Donghua Gate.

Li Rong, who had been in a hurry, suddenly stopped, a look of doubt on his face.

On the small bridge, there was a chair and a man.

Li Rong looked at the old man sitting in the chair, coughing incessantly, and slowly stepped forward, "Eunuch Gao?"

Gao Feng was leaning against the rosewood armchair, his violent cough making it seem as if he
might die at any moment.

Finally catching his breath, Gao Feng said hoarsely, "Eunuch Li, why be so ruthless?"

"Normally, this has nothing to do with you, but you've been too close to Liu Jin and his gang, so I have no choice
but to trouble you," Li Rong said with a sneer.

Gao Feng wasn't angry that his life was being decided so casually; he just kept coughing, saying
intermittently , "Why do this... why do this..."

"The situation is settled tonight, so you don't need to be in such a difficult position. Since we've met here, it's fate
. I'll ensure your safety, how about that?" Li Rong said.

"I should thank Eunuch Li for saving my life," Gao Feng said with a dry laugh.

"No need to be polite." Li Rong had already sensed something was wrong. To avoid any complications, he stopped talking
and ordered , "Serve Eunuch Gao."

These close followers and adopted sons bowed their heads and rushed towards the bridge.

Li Rong shook his head helplessly and sighed, "Why bother?"

Instantly, a whooshing sound, like the wailing of a vengeful ghost, pierced the air from the shadows of the eaves and corridors
. Countless crossbow bolts shot towards the group from the darkness.

Li Rong's expression changed. "Soul-capturing arrows!"

These arrows were specially made for the Eastern Depot by the Imperial Household Department's Armory Bureau. The shrill sound of the arrows as they were released was like the wailing of a ghost,
disturbing the mind. Since the Eastern Depot had laid an ambush here, they had most likely been tricked.

Thinking of this, Li Rong didn't delay any longer. He had to capture Gao Feng as a hostage, or he might have a chance to escape. He moved
swiftly and rushed towards the bridge.

With a flick of his sleeves, he deflected the arrows that were shot at him from both sides with his internal force. Without stopping for a moment, Li Rong leaped up,
like an eagle pouncing on a rabbit, and grabbed at Gao Feng on the bridge.

Suddenly, a sharp light flashed in Gao Feng's cloudy eyes. He pressed the armrest of his chair, his body rising into the air
to meet Li Rong's attack.

The sounds of thuds continued, the force of the clashing fists and palms was astonishing. A sharp shout rang out, and the two
figures entangled in mid-air suddenly separated, falling to either side.

Gao Feng landed beside the armchair, slapping the back of the chair with one hand, sending the entire armchair swiftly flying off the bridge.

As soon as the chair hit the ground, Li Rong's body slumped down, landing with a loud "thud," as if he
had sat down , perfectly still inside the chair.

Inside, Li Rong's eyes were closed, his face pale gold, and he remained silent.

Several eunuchs from the Eastern Depot emerged from the shadows, led by Chang Jiu, the head of the Sub-Department. Chang Jiu bowed to Gao Feng and asked
, "Eunuch Gao..."

Gao Feng waved his hand. "Take him to see Liu Jin. Alas, why bother?"

With a sigh, Gao Feng slowly stepped off the small bridge, bowing, and walked away alone.

*** *** *** ***

West River Rice Lane.

The long street was silent, the hurried footsteps of several people becoming clearer.

Several eunuchs, jogging alongside the sedan chair, urged the bearers repeatedly, "Hurry, hurry! We need to
get to . Baili Ben is the first group; we can't afford any mishaps."

The bearers responded repeatedly, quickening their pace.

A sudden burst of rapid zither music rang out, like the simultaneous sound of drums and gongs, shouts of men and neighing of horses.

"Stop the sedan chair," the person inside suddenly said.

The sedan chair landed, and the eunuchs serving by the window carefully helped Dai Yi out.

Another eunuch fawned, "Godfather, some reckless fellow dared to
make a scene in front of you. I've gone to deal with him."

Dai Yi shook his head and listened intently.

The zither music suddenly shifted from high to low, gradually becoming calm and fragmented.

The eunuch supporting Dai Yi smiled obsequiously, "That person wouldn't dare to show off in front of you, Godfather. We should hurry
on our way."

Dai Yi gave a bitter smile. "The ambush at Gaixia is imminent, the killing intent is overwhelming. Where can we go?"

"An...an ambush?" The young eunuch was startled and looked around. "Where? How many are there?
"

"Just one person is enough." Dai Yi could still manage a smile at this moment.

"Does Godfather know who it is?"

"To be able to play a pipa piece like 'Ambush from Ten Sides' so movingly and evoking such contemplation on the zither
, there is no one else in the world but Lei Changyin." Dai Yi's face was full of admiration.

"Second-in-command of the Eastern Depot!" His adopted sons, lacking Dai Yi's composure, were all ashen-faced
.

"The Eastern Depot has an ambush, what do we do?"

"Our plan failed, Godfather, you have to make a decision!"

Dai Yi closed his eyes in thought, then opened them and said, "You

should leave." "Where to?" His adopted sons asked with mournful faces.

"Anywhere is fine, just don't go back to the palace. Eunuch Wang is doomed to lose this game." Dai Yi said in a deep voice.

"Godfather, please come with us." One of Dai Yi's adopted sons still had some spirit.

Dai Yi shook his head, "If I leave, none of us will escape."

"Godfather..." His adopted sons knelt down and begged.

"Go, Godfather's ship has sunk, there's no need to drag you down with me." Dai Yi's words were tinged with desolation
as he followed the sound of the zither.

His adopted sons kowtowed several times, then rose and scattered.

In a small alley, Lei Changyin, dressed in a blue robe, gently plucked the strings of his zither.

"Brother Lei, what a refined taste you have." Dai Yi smiled broadly, just as he had at Yanxi Temple, playing the zither and sipping tea.

"Changyin thanks Mr. Zhulou." Lei Changyin said with a hint of guilt.

"Brother Lei's zither music warned us, giving those children a chance to live. I should be the one thanking you."
Dai Yi said with a smile.

"Thank you, sir, for not putting Changyin in a difficult position." Lei Changyin lowered his head and stroked the zither, seemingly unable to meet Dai Yi's gaze directly.

"The zither music is like a soul, its melody penetrating the heart." Dai Yi was still smiling. "Just now, the zither music, amidst the clash of swords and the thunder of horses,
conveyed two parts helplessness and three parts reluctance. I felt the same way. How could I put Brother Lei in a difficult position?"

Lei Changyin remained silent.

"Brother Lei, please don't blame yourself. I and those children were no match for you. My desperate struggle was not my
doing."

Lei Changyin unconsciously changed his form of address: "Brother Dai is my confidant."

Dai Yi laughed heartily, "To have Lei Changyin consider me a confidant is enough for this life."

As the laughter subsided, Dai Yi said, "I have another request, and I hope Brother Lei will grant it."

Lei Changyin said, "Please speak, Brother Dai."

"After tonight, I don't know if I will have the chance to hear celestial music again. I would like Brother Lei to play a piece for me.
Is that alright?" Dai Yi's eyes were full of anticipation.

Lei Changyin did not answer, but with a flick of his fingers, the melody "Yi Lan Cao" flowed forth effortlessly.

"The orchid is so beautiful, its fragrance so sweet. If it is not picked and worn, what harm will it do to the orchid?" Dai Yi sat with his knees drawn up,
singing along , carefree and joyful...

*** *** *** ***

Imperial Horse Stables.

Zhang Zhong's face was dimly lit by the flickering candlelight, making him appear even more eerie.

"Eunuch Zhang, I've managed to get this imperial decree for you," Xu Zhi said, holding a scroll of yellow silk imperial edict
as he strode in, beaming with pride.

Zhang Zhong's previously expressionless face suddenly broke into a smile. He rose and bowed, saying, "Eunuch Xu, please
don't be offended. Eunuch Miao isn't here. Although I'm acting as the head of the Imperial Horse Stables, my position isn't entirely legitimate, so I have to be cautious.
"

"Understood, understood," Xu Zhi patted Zhang Zhong's shoulder generously. "Your merits
are remembered by Eunuch Wang. After tonight, the 'acting' part should be removed." "

Then I'll have to rely on your guidance, Eunuch Wang and Eunuch Xu," Zhang Zhong said obsequiously, slipping a silver note into Xu Zhi's hand.

"Oh, what's this all about? Aren't you being too polite?" Xu Zhi's old face lit up with joy as he let Zhang Zhong
stuff the silver notes into his pocket before slowly saying, "It's no trouble at all. In a few years, even getting into the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs will be a piece of cake
."

"I'll leave everything to you, sir." Zhang Zhong bowed deeply, somewhat embarrassed, "Please don't think I'm being nosy, Eunuch Xu.
Could I borrow this imperial edict for a look...?"

"You..." Xu Zhi said irritably, "You're such a coward. Do you think I'd trick you with a fake imperial edict
?"

Seeing Zhang Zhong's embarrassed expression, Xu Zhi, who had just received a gift,
couldn't refuse and shoved the imperial edict into his hands. "Take a look, but return it to me quickly. There can't be any mishaps."

"Of course." Zhang Zhong took the imperial edict with both hands and opened it to examine it closely.

Bored, Xu Zhi strolled into the courtyard. Looking at the gleaming armor of the Imperial Horse Stable warriors, he nodded repeatedly.
"Truly worthy of being the Emperor's retinue, their military might is formidable."

Pointing to a tall general in chainmail at the front, Xu Zhi asked, "You little monkey, are you the leader
?"

The man saluted and replied, "Yes, sir."

"Work hard in the future, and you'll be rewarded," Eunuch Xu said, not forgetting to curry favor. "
What's name? Register it with us first."

A sly glint appeared on the tall general's face, incongruous with his honest appearance. "This humble servant is Gui Yong, currently serving
as the Commander of the Tengxiang Left Guard."

"Gui Yong, a good name...it sounds familiar..." Xu Zhi pondered the name, but couldn't recall
where he'd heard it before.

"You used to serve in Xuanfu," Gui Yong reminded him.

Xu Zhi suddenly remembered, "Right, you're the kid who tricked Che Ting..."

Xu Zhi suddenly realized that this kid must be one of Miao Kui's men, and also had some unclear
relationship with Liu Jin and Ding Shou of the Eastern Depot. He turned to look at Zhang Zhong, "What's going on?"

Faced with Xu Zhi's questioning, Zhang Zhong, contrary to his previous timid demeanor, said, "What else could it be, Eunuch Xu
? You people in the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs are all pig-brains. You know that Eunuch Miao is at odds with those bigwigs in the court, yet you still dared to set
your sights on the Imperial Horse Administration..."

He waved the imperial edict in his hand and continued, "You even dared to forge an imperial edict, have you
all your minds?"

Xu Zhi trembled with anger, pointing his orchid finger at Zhang Zhong and said, "You dare to trick me?"

Zhang Zhong sneered, disdainfully replying, and ordered, "Men, do it! Remember to get that silver note
back for us."

The men roared in agreement, their blades drawn, cold as ice.

Xu Zhi suddenly shouted, his toes barely touching the ground as he lunged at Zhang Zhong like a meteor.

Zhang Zhong slipped, drifting back several feet to avoid Xu Zhi's attack.

Xu Zhi didn't stop, his wide sleeves billowing forward with impressive force.

Zhang Zhong retreated several steps, cornered against the wall, with nowhere left to go, and shouted, "Help!"

"No one can save you," Xu Zhi sneered, "Return the imperial edict." Suddenly, an arm grew out
, grabbing straight for Zhang Zhong's head.

A figure flashed out like a ghost, a cold light flashing, and Xu Zhi cried out in alarm, retreating in an instant.

The wide sleeve of his left arm was severed at the elbow, revealing a withered, emaciated arm. Xu Zhi looked at the man before him with lingering fear and
said hatefully, "Luo Xiang."

Luo Xiang didn't answer, but lunged forward. His palm-sized crescent-shaped blade gleamed, and he slashed, cleaved, hacked
, sliced, gouged, and plucked, creating countless blade shadows in an instant.

Behind Xu Zhi, the army outside the courtyard watched menacingly. He had nowhere to retreat, so he roared and met the attack with his fists and feet
, unleashing dozens of moves in a flash.

Zhang Zhong huddled in the corner, watching the two figures entangled, shouting incessantly, unable to discern who was winning or losing
, and his anxiety grew.

Gui Yong and the others guarded outside the house. Although they outnumbered him, they had nowhere to intervene and could only stand by, ready for any eventuality
.

Suddenly, Zhang Zhong felt a pain on his face. He reached up and touched it, finding a drop of blood. "I'm injured!" Zhang Zhong exclaimed in shock
, touching it again, but finding nothing.

Gui Yong and the others also retreated a few steps. Blood and bits of flesh
flew , the entire room stained with blood, a horrifying sight.

With a cry of pain, Xu Zhi retreated rapidly, his face pale. Blood gushed from his left arm, where his sleeve had been cut off;
half of his forearm was missing.

On the ground lay only a piece of bone from Xu Zhi's left hand, something even a seasoned butcher or cook couldn't have removed
so cleanly.

Luo Xiang stuck out his blood-red tongue and licked the bits of flesh and blood off his curved knife, staring at Xu Zhi menacingly. "
Eunuch Xu, do you want another fight?"

Xu Zhi trembled, retreating several steps, his voice trembling as he cried out, "You...you're not human! Quick, take me away,
take me away!"

The last few words were a scream directed at Gui Yong and the others. Gui Yong waved his hand, and soldiers stepped forward to shackle Xu Zhi
and bandage his wounds.

Xu Zhi offered no resistance. Once he was escorted out of the Imperial Stables and could no longer see Luo Xiang's fleshy face,
he breathed a sigh of relief, feeling as if he had survived a calamity.

*** *** *** ***

Governor's Mansion.

The lanterns were lit, the banquet was waning.

Zhang Mao raised his wine cup and said to Xu Ning in a booming voice, "My lord, I toast you again.
"

"No need for such formalities, Your Excellency. I am unworthy of such praise," Xu Jin said politely, drinking his cup to the brim.

Zhang Mao drank a cup with him, then put down his cup, saying, "Thanks to your planning, Brother Guo was able to vent
his anger. I will remember this favor."

"You flatter me, Your Excellency. That brat Ding Shou is arrogant and domineering, harming both civil and military officials. I and Hui'an
were merely acting in accordance with public opinion to cleanse the court of corrupt officials," Xu Jin said.

Zhang Mao grinned, "The same thing, yet you all manage to come up with a completely different explanation. That's
true learning!"

He then turned to a tall, thin old man beside him and asked, "Brother, when is Xun'er's wedding
?"

Marquis Wuding, Guo Liang, with a sallow complexion and a sickly appearance, smiled and replied, "Once this matter is settled, I'll discuss
the date with the Luo family. On my son's wedding day, I'll certainly invite you, brother, and Xu Benbing to join in the festivities."

"Of course," the two replied.

The three clinked glasses and drank heartily once more.

"It's getting late. Why hasn't there been any news from the palace yet?" Guo Liang looked at Shi Xiang beside him and said worriedly
, "Don't let anything go wrong."

"Your brother is too calculating. With such a tight net,
how ?" Zhang Mao asked Xu Jin on the other side.

Xu Jin nodded in agreement.

At this moment, a junior officer came to the corridor. "Reporting to the Duke, someone from the palace has arrived."

Zhang Mao clapped his hands together. "What did we say? Speak of the devil, and he appears! Which eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs has come?
"

The junior officer hesitated for a moment. "It's Eunuch Zhang from the Directorate of Imperial Supplies."

The three of them stood up at the same time. "Zhang Yong, why is it him?"

Xu Jin asked in surprise. "Could it be that our secret has been leaked, and he's here as an intermediary?" Guo Liang pondered.

Zhang Mao asked in a deep voice, "How many people have come?"

"Besides him, there are two eunuchs accompanying him," the junior officer reported.

"Three men dare to trespass into my governor's mansion? Do they think they're made of bronze and iron?" Zhang Mao
said contemptuously. "Men!"

"Yes, sir." The officer with a sword in the corridor bowed and accepted the order.

"Arrange for three hundred elite soldiers to ambush in the corridor. When I smash my cup as a signal, chop these men into mincemeat."
Zhang Mao said coldly.

"Brother, why be so hasty?" Guo Liang advised.

"Since they've come to my door, I'll save Wang Yue some trouble." Zhang Mao said to Xu Jin, "Consider it
my head as proof. What do you think?"

This old man must have read too many miscellaneous books and novels. Smashing a cup as a signal and a head as proof, Xu Jin thought to himself,
but still smiled and said, "That's very true. But why bother meeting them? Just kill them directly."

"Drinking alone is tasteless. Listening to Zhang Yong's words will be a good accompaniment to the wine. Isn't that perfect?" Zhang Mao laughed smugly.

Before long, Zhang Yong and his companions were brought to the hall.

"Who goes there?" Zhang Mao asked, striking a pose, glancing sideways at the crowd below, expecting Zhang Yong to grovel and beg for mercy
.

"My master, Zhang Yong, is an old acquaintance of the Duke. It seems the Duke of Yingguo is truly old and frail,
unable to recognize people or act properly," Zhang Yong said calmly.

"Zhang Yong, open your eyes and look around! This is the Governor's Mansion, not your Qianqing Palace, where you have the right to be so
insolent !" Zhang Mao slammed his hand on the table and stood up.

"So, the Duke thinks this Governor's Mansion has even greater rules than His Majesty's Qianqing Palace,"
Zhang Yong retorted sarcastically.

"You…" Zhang Mao was speechless.

"Eunuch Zhang, you didn't come here just to indulge in a moment of verbal sparring, did you?" Xu Jin asked, squinting and stroking his beard
.

"Of course not, I don't have that kind of time." Zhang Yong glanced at Guo Liang. "It
's best that Lord Guo is here too, it saves me a lot of trouble."

"His Majesty's edict." Zhang Yong took out a yellow silk ribbon from his sleeve and announced loudly.

The three men sat up in surprise. Zhang Yong didn't give them any time to react and read aloud: "By imperial decree
, Zhang Yong, the eunuch of the Imperial Household Department, is appointed to oversee the Beijing Garrison and concurrently command the Five Armies. Wei Bin is promoted to the Directorate of Ceremonial and commanded the Three Thousand Battalions. This is the imperial decree."

The three men, suddenly facing the threat of unemployment, looked at each other, somewhat overwhelmed by the change. Zhang Mao shouted angrily
, "How dare you, Zhang Yong, forge an imperial edict! Guards!" He raised his hand and smashed the wine cup in his hand
.

A figure flashed past Zhang Mao and the others like a wisp of smoke. Before the three men could see what happened,
the person was already back beside Zhang Yong, as if he had never moved, except for a long sword that had suddenly appeared in his hand.

A slender, three-foot-long sword with a thin blade trembled like a willow branch, its tip holding a wine cup
, still more than half full.

Xu Jin carefully examined the eunuch-dressed swordsman. "Liu Wusan?"

Liu Jin had inspected the capital garrison and had met Xu Jin before. Xu Jin vaguely remembered this man who always stood silently behind Liu Jin
.

"This soldier has a good eye," Zhang Yong sneered. "Eunuch Liu knows this Governor's Mansion is a den of dragons and tigers, so
he specially lent us Liu Da Dangtou. You all have seen his abilities."

"You think one person like that can guarantee our safety?" Zhang Mao mocked.

Zhang Yong shook his head. "Liu Da Dangtou isn't here to protect me, he's here to protect you all."

"Us?" The three were all puzzled.

"As long as you all remain still tonight, Eunuch Liu has no intention of being your enemy," Zhang Yong chuckled.
"If you insist on defying the imperial decree, then Chief Eunuch Liu will have to put up a fight."

"My Governor's Mansion is teeming with elite troops. With a single command, you will all be mincemeat in an instant," Zhang Mao sneered
.

Liu Wusan's sword-wielding stance remained unchanged. He glanced sideways at the three men. "Before Liu Wusan is reduced to mincemeat,
the three nobles will first have their blood spilled five steps ahead."

His voice was calm and even, as if stating a fact that everyone acknowledged.

Guo Liang and Xu Jin exchanged a glance. Judging from the way Liu Wusan had accepted the cup earlier, they knew he was telling the truth.

Zhang Mao, however, was as stubborn as ginger and cassia, growing stronger with age. Hearing this, he flew into a rage. "You dare threaten me?"

"Try it." Liu Wusan lowered his eyes, as if he wouldn't even bother to look at the two high-ranking dukes and the second-rank official
.

Such contemptuous attitude infuriated Zhang Mao, who roared furiously, "Don't give me that! I'm a soldier
by trade , I have no fear of death! Guards..."

Before he could finish, Zhang Mao was firmly pinned down. To the Duke of Ying's utter rage, the two men
beside .

"Old Duke, don't be so rash." Xu Jin, though a civil official, was surprisingly strong.

"Yes, brother, let's consider this carefully and prioritize the greater good." Lord Guo, showing no signs
of illness , gripped Zhang Mao's shoulders like iron clamps.

The two men held him down, one pressing his hands, the other covering his mouth, rendering the Duke of Ying unable to move.

"You, you all..." Zhang Mao was furious. Who was he fighting for? Who was it that was shouting for Liu Jin and his nine accomplices
to kill Who was it that came to my mansion wailing that his son had been bullied? How did I become the one who was ignorant and
rash?

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He couldn't catch his breath, closed his eyes, and fainted.

Xu and Guo checked his breathing and, finding he had only fainted, breathed a sigh of relief and ignored
him, turning to Zhang Yong, who was watching the scene from below.

"A wise man submits to circumstances," Zhang Yong said, taking a sip from Liu Wusan's soft sword. "I'll offer you
two toast.

" The two men reluctantly drank with him. Xu Jin, still clinging to a sliver of hope, asked, "May I ask, Eunuch Zhang, since you've been appointed
to command the Beijing Garrison, what about Liu Jin?"

Zhang Yong smiled and replied, "According to the imperial custom, the head of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs cannot command military affairs. Since Eunuch Liu has relinquished
his post naturally been granted imperial favor and appointed to the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs."

*** *** *** ***

Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, Wang Yue, who had been dozing on his couch, suddenly opened his eyes.

Three groups of men had been dispatched, yet the capital remained eerily quiet. Wang Yue sensed something was amiss.

"Someone come here..." Wang Yue felt it necessary to send another man to the Eastern Depot to investigate.

No one answered.

Wang Yue was furious. "Where have all those monkeys been slacking off?"

"Alright, Eunuch Wang, stop showing off."

Ma Yongcheng, Wei Bin, Qiu Ju, and Gu Dayong filed in.

"You're still alive?" Wang Yue glared at them, though he had a bad feeling,
he was still somewhat shocked when they actually appeared.

"Not only are we alive, we're thriving," Gu Dayong said with a smile.

"Thanks to Eunuch Wang, we've even been promoted to the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs," Wei Bin said with a smug look.

"We'll definitely repay the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs for their kindness," Ma Yongcheng said, his face full of resentment.

"Surrender," Qiu Ju said sternly.

"You think you can take him down?" Wang Yue said with disdain.

Ma Yongcheng shouted, "Wang Yue, don't be ungrateful! How dare you underestimate us now? Let's all
deal !"

Despite his loud shout, Ma Yongcheng didn't move an inch.

Qiu Ju remained silent, and with a silent, chilling palm strike, he casually unleashed a palm strike.

"Excuse me." Gu Dayong still smiled, his hands thrusting out like mountains, surging with hidden power.

Wei Bin lowered his body, his ten fingers like sharp claws, aiming for Wang Yue's ankle.

Ma Yongcheng also didn't delay, letting out a soft cry, his body moving like a large bird, a fierce palm wind covering Wang Yue's head.

Facing attacks from four directions, Wang Yue remained calm and composed, his movements swift and agile, leaving only afterimages
, the sounds of fists and palms clashing, and the energy spreading in all directions.

"Crack!" Several crisp sounds rang out, the porcelain in the room couldn't withstand the surging internal energy from the five people fighting, turning into
dust, the broken porcelain fragments flying everywhere.

Suddenly, Wang Yue roared, followed by several muffled groans, his figure splitting in a flash, Wang Yue standing at the door.

Qiu Ju and the other four were unsteady on their feet, their foreheads covered in fine sweat, slightly panting.

"Rakshasa Great Handprint!" Gu Dayong exclaimed in shock, clutching his heaving chest, his smile gone.

"You know your stuff." Wang Yue said no more, striding confidently out of the room.

Qiu Ju steadied his breathing and said coldly, "Chase him."

Ma Yongcheng looked fearful. "I'm afraid we can't do anything to him."

Qiu Ju's eyes narrowed, making Ma Yongcheng lower his head guiltily.

"No need to chase him. The four of us are no match for him." Gu Dayong said slowly, "Someone will deal with
him."

Wang Yue used his movement technique, running swiftly through the palace alleys as if his feet didn't touch the ground. With

the matter exposed, Wang Yue didn't even think about what would happen to the other groups. Defeat was inevitable. At this
moment

, he only wanted to save his own life. Meeting that person before dawn might still offer a chance to turn the tide. Wang Yue made up his mind that as long as he passed through
this alley, he could bypass the North Gate and reach the North Gate. At that time, he could go anywhere in the world with his skills, like a fish leaping in the sea and a bird soaring in the sky
.

"The battlefield is stained with blood,

warhorses neigh mournfully,

when will we be able to wipe out our enemies?

The precious sword, thirsting for blood, drips with sparks,

faces like peach blossoms against the morning glow..."

At the end of the alley, a man in a scarlet cloak danced and sang at the top of his lungs.

Wang Yue slowed his pace. "Liu Jin..."

"Riding the waves and the wind,

drinking in the boundless sea,

laughing and talking about the dreams of dukes and marquises,

a long journey will aid me on this trip,

a roar that pierces the rainbow—" Liu Jin

struck a pose, a long note, and the song ended.

"Eunuch Liu, you're in high spirits." Wang Yue secretly circulated his energy to replenish the internal strength he had just lost.

"Does Eunuch Wang find it pleasant to listen to?" Liu Jin smiled.

"I've long heard that Eunuch Liu enjoys reciting poetry and singing, indulging in refined pursuits. Today, seeing you in person—" Wang Yue said sarcastically,
"Your reputation is well-deserved; you're truly wasting your talents in the Eastern Depot."

Liu Jin wasn't annoyed. "I originally came from the Bell and Drum Division, serving in the Imperial Music Bureau. How could I not be knowledgeable in music and
fail live up to His Majesty's trust?"

Changing the subject, Liu Jin added, "But you, Eunuch Wang, are eating the emperor's food yet doing things that disgrace the Emperor
."

"My affairs are none of Eunuch Liu's concern," Wang Yue replied.

Liu Jin suddenly sighed softly, "Eunuch Wang, I've always treated you with utmost respect, so why do you harbor
such murderous intent?"

Wang Yue sneered, "Ever since the late Emperor handed the Eastern Depot over from my hands to yours, our feud
has been established."

Liu Jin said "Oh," and then, "So, you colluded with Liu Wentai to murder the late Emperor."

"Liu Jin, I am also a servant of the late Emperor. Don't even think about pinning this regicide on me!"
Wang Yue shouted.

"That's for the best, perhaps you can still spare my life." Liu Jin smiled.

"I only regret that the court flogging didn't take your life back then." Wang Yue said fiercely.

"Now there's an opportunity." Liu Jin flicked his cloak and asked softly, "Eunuch Wang, have you finished your meditation?
I can wait a little longer."

Wang Yue's expression changed; Liu Jin had already seen through his thoughts.

"I just had a fierce battle with Gu Dayong and the others. Eunuch Wang must have expended a lot of internal energy. I don't want to take advantage of
you like that," Liu Jin said, spreading his hands.

Wang Yue's face turned pale. Suddenly, he let out a low whistle and, with lightning speed, his palms, each containing thirteen hidden forces,
lunged at Liu Jin.

The hidden forces were both yin and yang, crisscrossing and intertwining, creating a whirlwind within the passageway,
with .

"Good skill," Liu Jin praised lightly.

He stepped forward and raised his leg, creating seven afterimages in the air, meeting Wang Yue's attack head-on without dodging or avoiding. With a

loud "boom," the two figures in the air suddenly merged and separated, the afterimages disappearing completely. Liu Jin took eight
steps in the air, flying backward and landing on the spot, calmly dusting off his python robe.

Wang Yue landed unsteadily, staggering back three or four steps before falling backward. He then jumped up
, took two steps forward, and said, "Again."

Liu Jin remained still.

Suddenly, Wang Yue's body exploded with a loud bang, spitting out a cloud of blood mist. Blood
spurted from each of his thirty-six major acupoints, instantly turning him into a blood-soaked figure as he collapsed to the ground.

Liu Jin sighed softly, seemingly devoid of any joy in victory.

Footsteps sounded, and Bai Shaochuan arrived from behind.

"Lord Supervisor..."

"Xiao Chuan, you've worked hard these past few days.

" Liu Jin turned around, a slight smile appearing on his face. "This subordinate doesn't deserve such praise," Bai Shaochuan said respectfully, bowing his head.

"Why are you being so formal, father and son? Oh, right," Liu Jin suddenly remembered something, took out a
three-inch brocade box from his sleeve, and breathed a sigh of relief, "Luckily, Wang Yue didn't destroy it, otherwise that old man would be beyond redemption."

Bai Shaochuan rarely showed a look of surprise, "The Grand Eunuch still remembers..."

"Silly child, when have I ever forgotten your birthday?"

Liu Jin raised his head, looking at the first hint of dawn in the sky above the alley, and said meaningfully, "This night has been long,
but thankfully finally dawn..."

PS: After two days of hard work, I finally filled in part of the plot hole from the previous chapter. Due to certain reasons, I hereby announce that "
The Great Ming Dynasty" will be temporarily suspended on this site. Thank you all for your continued support.

The updates of "The Great Ming Dynasty" are inseparable from the help of many enthusiastic friends. Your replies in the comments have also given me
the motivation . I believe that even if my thoughts don't align with yours, I can maintain a peaceful mindset in the replies. But I have to
say to a certain author on this site, you fucking win, you've successfully disgusted me.

I write historical martial arts fiction, you write fantasy/
alternate . We keep to ourselves. Is it necessary to use criticism to promote your own work? I can understand someone praising their own
work, but don't accuse others of sour grapes. The quality of an article is judged by its readers; can your criticism prove anything?

The part about the uncle and sister-in-law's adultery is a classic "love-hate relationship" trope; I've never shied away from using it, and there's written explanation.
If this part is used as an example of plagiarism, I admit it. As for the jade doll, the TV series "Da Ming" clearly stated from the beginning that it would feature
bodyguards and characters from "Dao Ge"—this is partly due to childhood nostalgia. If you've actually watched that TV series, you should know
how much original content I added and how much effort I put into filling in the plot holes. If you haven't watched it,
you have no right to make irresponsible statements.

If someone on an external website sees the hotlinked link and can't see my notes, that's understandable. But you're an author on this site, and I've
clearly included notes and images; why are you pretending not to see them? Are you up to something?

Here are two sayings for you: First, what goes around comes around. Don't assume no one knows what you're doing. Secondly, keep a low profile
and make a fortune quietly. Don't close all the avenues of life.

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