[Fantasy] A Strange Encounter with an Immortal (Complete) - 19-21

Chapter Two: Love That Could Collapse

Several days later, Zhu Chuanzong racked his brains, unable to find a reason to persuade Consort Mei to break up with him. Besides, he truly couldn't bear to part with her. However, Princess Chang Le and he shared a predestined marriage; she was deeply devoted to him, and moreover, beautiful, innocent, and adorable—truly his perfect match. The fact that she hadn't asked him to leave Xue Jinxian and the other women was already quite reasonable. It would be unreasonable to refuse even this small request, especially since her intentions were for his own good. He and Consort Mei were ultimately destined to be apart; separation was inevitable. But despite his thoughts, the thought of parting from this beauty, more understanding than flowers and more fragrant than jade, was unbearable. Therefore, he delayed for several days until the princess informed the emperor that she would treat his illness and make it difficult for him to enter the palace again. Only then did he find an opportunity to go to Consort Mei and explain the situation.

Upon arriving at Consort Mei's palace, the two shared a brief intimacy. Seeing Zhu Chuanzong's unease, Consort Mei asked, "What's on your mind? I have something to tell you!"

Zhu Chuanzong replied, "I also have something to tell you. You go first!"

Consort Mei became shy and lowered her head, saying, "I'm pregnant! It's your child."

Zhu Chuanzong had originally intended to break up with Consort Mei, but she had unexpectedly given him a tremendous surprise.

It turned out that she hadn't menstruated for two months and had secretly consulted a trusted eunuch and a midwife outside the palace. The examination revealed she was pregnant.

For the past two years, Zhu Chuanzong had been diligently working with the beauties every night without success. How could he not be both surprised and overjoyed? Zhu Chuanzong jumped up with delight, completely forgetting his original purpose.

Overjoyed, seeing Consort Mei's shy yet alluring demeanor, he couldn't resist and reached out to touch her bosom.

Consort Mei hurriedly said, "Be careful, you're pregnant."

Zhu Chuanzong smiled and said, "I know."

He gently stroked Consort Mei's lower abdomen, then suddenly asked worriedly, "When did you get pregnant? Which imperial physician diagnosed you? His Majesty surely doesn't know?"

Consort Mei's figure was indeed fuller than before. Her pretty face flushed slightly, the alluring charm was gone, and her beautiful eyes shone with maternal light. She leaned against Zhu Chuanzong's chest and said, "It's been two months. I had someone outside the palace examine me. How could I dare let His Majesty know?"

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Why didn't you go to Imperial Physician Zhang Chaozhong? Didn't I tell you that Imperial Physician Zhang is one of our own, and you usually see him for treatment?"

Consort Mei said, "Is Imperial Physician Zhang has family matters to attend to and is on leave. Don't worry, the person I found received a lot of bribes from me, and he's tight-lipped."

Zhu Chuanzong thought for a moment, still worried, and said, "This is no small matter. You must keep your pregnancy a secret from everyone. Don't tell anyone. Especially His Majesty, he must..." "We must keep this a secret. He hasn't favored you for months. If he finds out you're pregnant, it'll be terrible. We'll be committing a crime punishable by death!"

Seeing his initial joy turn to worry, Consort Mei said, "I know, but what will we do then? We can't keep it a secret any longer. In a few more days, your belly will be too big to hide. You must think of something. If I have to abort the child, don't say it out loud. Even if I die, I will protect this child."

Zhu Chuanzong was stunned. He covered his head and thought hard for a while, then suddenly laughed and said, "I've thought of a way. Just wait for the good news!"

After saying that, he went out happily.

Zhu Chuanzong found the princess and knelt down as soon as he entered, pleading, "Fairy, save me!"

Princess Chang Le was startled. After understanding the situation, she was so angry that she burst into tears. Although she was jealous and wanted to ignore it, she couldn't resist Zhu Chuanzong's persistent pleas and oaths. She couldn't stand by and watch her lover suffer, so she finally agreed to stand up for him, but only on the condition that he promise never to see Consort Mei again, and that Consort Mei herself must give this promise.

Zhu Chuanzong naturally agreed. After learning about Princess Chang Le's plan, he went to discuss it with Consort Mei.

Consort Mei heard that the princess had promised to prepare a medicine that would delay the birth of her child by several months, and had also personally prepared a remedy for rejuvenation for her father, the emperor. She hoped that Consort Mei could take this opportunity to spend a romantic night with the emperor, thus avoiding the crisis. Although she was extremely unwilling, she had no choice.

Consort Mei pinched Zhu Chuanzong hard, saying resentfully, "It's clearly your child, yet you're so eager to have someone else as his father. Alas, my poor child."

Zhu Chuanzong tightened his grip, saying apologetically, "I know I've wronged you. Don't worry, I will definitely love our child dearly and help him become a great emperor in the future. What's wrong with that?"

Consort Mei nodded, then asked sweetly, "Easy for you to say. The child is so young; are all those princes just sitting around doing nothing? Besides, how do you know it's a son? Wouldn't you love him if it were a daughter?"

Even if Zhu Chuanzong had the guts, he wouldn't dare to admit it, and hurriedly smiled apologetically, "If a daughter were as beautiful as you, I would naturally love her even more. Needless to say, wouldn't I?"

Consort Mei giggled, and after a while, said, "With..." "After that, I won't be able to be intimate with you anymore, but you mustn't neglect me. You must come to see me often, or I will definitely not forgive you."

Zhu Chuanzong said, "I was just about to tell you that. After thinking it over, I think it's best if we don't see each other anymore."

Before Consort Mei could get angry, he hurriedly explained, "I'm doing this all for the sake of our child! Think about it, I can't pretend to be a eunuch forever. Sooner or later I'll have to pretend to be cured and marry a princess. Only then can I gain the Emperor's greater favor. If I keep coming to see you, what if the Emperor suspects that our child isn't his? Wouldn't that be terrible? I have no choice but to separate from you early and stop going to the palace to avoid leaving any hidden dangers. The Emperor is so old. If we endure for a few years, we'll have plenty of time to be together later."

Consort Mei thought about it and realized that it made sense. Although she was reluctant to part with Zhu Chuanzong, she had no choice but to do so for the sake of her child. Turning around, she embraced Zhu Chuanzong's waist and said, "Bao'er, I miss you terribly if I don't see you for a few days. How will I live in the future?"

Zhu Chuanzong quickly comforted her softly. The two were reluctant to part, their affection deep and sweet, a scene of romance unfolding.

Several months passed, and everything proceeded as planned. After a night of passion with Consort Mei, Emperor Mingzong was overjoyed to learn that his beloved consort was about to give birth to a prince! Under the princess's care, his health seemed to have returned to its former glory, and he was filled with pride. He then proclaimed to the world a grand celebration.

Emperor Mingzong had been on the throne for over thirty years. He believed that his diligent governance had brought peace and prosperity to the country, and now that he was in good health, he was grateful to Heaven and held a grand ceremony to worship Heaven.

Amidst the nation's joy, he heard that his beloved daughter had cured his most capable minister, Zhu Chuanzong, of his illness and was even considering marrying him. He was even more delighted. This daughter, always aloof and unapproachable, was thought to be incapable of finding anyone worthy of her attention. However, she unexpectedly found someone she loved, which delighted her greatly. She personally arranged the wedding date for Zhu Chuanzong and Princess Chang Le, planning a grand celebration to repay her for her care of his health.

Three days remained until Zhu Chuanzong's wedding. Amidst his busy schedule, he received a message from Consort Mei, inviting him to the palace for a chat, saying that they might not see each other again and urging him to come.

Zhu Chuanzong couldn't refuse their past affection, and also considering her pregnancy, he couldn't afford to be angry, so he secretly went to meet her.

Now holding a high position and enjoying the Emperor's favor, he assumed the palace eunuchs and maids wouldn't dare oppose him, and even a brief meeting wouldn't be a problem.

Zhu Chuanzong disguised himself and slipped into Consort Mei's palace, where he found her waiting for him. Consort Mei was indeed exceptionally beautiful. She had a face like a lotus blossom, phoenix eyes, snow-white skin, a straight, jade-carved nose, full lips, high, firm breasts, round, plump buttocks, and long, slender legs—truly a rare beauty. Especially striking was her protruding belly, which exuded an unusual gentleness that drew admiration.

Zhu Chuanzong, who hadn't seen her for months and missed her dearly, quickly stepped forward and took her hand.

Meifei smiled as she gazed at her lover. Both were mindful of the child in their wombs; otherwise, they would have already embraced. They shared their sorrows of separation, nestled together, and inevitably began to talk about the child in their bellies, their passion growing stronger

with each conversation. Zhu Chuanzong couldn't resist gently loosening Meifei's robe. When her nipples, dark red from pregnancy, were revealed, Zhu Chuanzong pressed his lips to them. An indescribable ecstasy caused Meifei to let out a soft moan. Amidst this intoxicating sound, Zhu Chuanzong's right hand explored her private parts, beginning to caress them. Meifei let out a soft, plaintive moan.

Meifei was now weak and powerless, and Zhu Chuanzong carefully placed her on the bed. The beautiful and dignified Meifei lay naked, her already full breasts, a result of her pregnancy, even more vibrant and plump, standing proudly like lotus blossoms emerging from the water, tempting one to fondle them. Her seven-month pregnant belly was even more beautiful and alluring.

Zhu Chuanzong even wanted to rush over immediately and forcefully thrust his already burning hot penis into that plump, moist, nectar-filled jade orifice. However, seeing Meifei protecting her protruding belly, he dared not act rashly. Zhu Chuanzong's penis was already hard and swollen. Although his reason clearly told him that he absolutely could not have any lustful thoughts towards Meifei, he simply couldn't control himself. He only wanted to get closer to the beautiful pregnant woman before him who could drive any man crazy.

After a woman is seven months pregnant, her breasts begin to enlarge in preparation for breastfeeding, making Meifei's already rounded breasts even whiter, softer, and larger. Under Zhu Chuanzong's wolf-like gaze, Meifei's beautiful face began to blush, and her captivating phoenix eyes became watery and alluring.

Zhu Chuanzong had nowhere to start, so he frantically pounced on Meifei, lowered his head, and kissed her luscious red lips deeply.

Consort Mei was now aroused as well. She passionately embraced Zhu Chuanzong's neck, responding fervently and sucking on his tongue as it entered her mouth.

Zhu Chuanzong's large hands kneaded her full, snow-white breasts. Her plump, alluring breasts stood erect, their nipples like ripe cherries, feeling like dough under his large hands. Soon, however, snow-white milk began to flow from them.

Zhu Chuanzong looked up, puzzled, and asked, "What's that?"

He then brought his mouth close, sucking on the nipple and mumbling, "It tastes so delicious!"

Meifei playfully replied, "Good son, since it's so good, have some more."

Zhu Chuanzong asked curiously, "What did you call me?"

Meifei laughed, "Haven't you heard? 'Whoever gives you milk is your mother!'"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed too, turning and sucking the nipple in his mouth, saying, "Okay! Mother, my dearest little darling, your son wants to nurse!"

Meifei was teased and felt a ticklish sensation, and his call filled her with love, wishing she could become one with him and never be separated again. She said in a seductive voice, "Okay! Good son, Mother will nurse you. Ah… you have to be good!"

As Zhu Chuanzong nursed, he also kneaded the nipple with his hands, giving Meifei an unprecedented pleasure that made her moans even louder.

Meifei's moans further aroused Zhu Chuanzong. He lowered his head to suckle her nipple, while pinching the erect nipple with his fingers on the other, his entire palm pressing and rotating on her full, hemispherical breast.

"Ah...oh...um...oh..."

Under Zhu Chuanzong's sucking and caresses, Meifei's body involuntarily writhed, her vulva already overflowing with fluid.

Zhu Chuanzong sucked and held her nipple forcefully, his tongue swirling up and down, left and right, while his hands kneaded her firm, white breasts, his fingers kneading and pinching her nipples without stopping.

Meifei pressed Zhu Chuanzong's head down, not letting him leave, completely immersed in a dream, unaware of what she was doing. A sweet and nostalgic feeling welled up in Zhu Chuanzong's heart. He didn't understand why he felt this way. All he knew was that he was particularly attached to Meifei's ample breasts, even feeling a little reluctant to leave.

Meifei, intoxicated, clenched her teeth, her breath coming in rapid gasps, as if she were enjoying herself immensely. Zhu Chuanzong finally released Meifei's breasts, his left hand reaching around her high, rounded belly, and slipping into the peach blossom cave that had captivated heroes across the land, his fingers gently caressing the petals.

Then, his fingers slowly penetrated Meifei's flower core, which was already hard and swollen, overflowing with lustful fluids. Touching Zhu Chuanzong's hand, it felt warm and sticky, yet exuded a rich fragrance.

Meifei possessed a unique fragrance, truly a woman of exceptional beauty, and because of her pregnancy, her lustful fluids were particularly thick and rich, with a fragrance unlike anything before, like intoxicating wine, making one feel intoxicated.

As Zhu Chuanzong enjoyed himself, he continued to probe Meifei's smooth and alluring petals with his fingers, causing Meifei's flower walls to contract and expand repeatedly. "Oh...oh...my good husband! I...I feel so uncomfortable...I can't take it anymore!"

Meifei's moans grew increasingly lewd, making Zhu Chuanzong unable to resist.

However, for the sake of the child, Zhu Chuanzong restrained himself, saying, "Let me relieve your itch with my fingers! You're pregnant now, unlike usual."

Meifei replied, "I asked the doctor, and it's okay to have sex now, as long as I don't put pressure on my belly and I'm careful, it won't be a problem."

Overjoyed at receiving this reprieve, Zhu Chuanzong gently parted Meifei's jade-like legs, then forcefully inserted his thick, hard penis into Meifei's long-dormant honeypot. With a captivating,

seductive moan from Meifei, the two finally became one. Zhu Chuanzong wished he could thrust his penis deep into Meifei's honeypot, even squeezing in her testicles. But fearing he might hurt the child, he could only slowly thrust in and out.

The long-absent Consort Mei, her honeyed orifice filled to overflowing by Zhu Chuanzong's thick, hard penis, felt both her heart and her vagina simultaneously satisfied, and she couldn't help but let out a series of soul-stirring moans.

Hearing Consort Mei's plaintive pleas, Zhu Chuanzong felt an irresistible urge and wanted to straddle her and hold her tightly, but mindful of her seven-month pregnancy, he carefully leaned down and gently kissed her lips.

Unexpectedly, Consort Mei clung tightly to Zhu Chuanzong, emitting intoxicating moans.

Zhu Chuanzong pressed himself against Consort Mei, not daring to exert any force, let alone attempt to ride her with vigor.

But his large member was enveloped by the alluring concubine's honeyed orifice, experiencing a soul-crushing, bone-corroding pleasure that was unbearable. Zhu Chuanzong, his lust already at its peak, growled, "You slut, if you continue like this, I won't be so polite!"

The concubine said seductively, "Your Majesty, just fuck me to death! Dying under your big thing would be my blessing."

Zhu Chuanzong roared, "You slut, watch me fuck you to death!"

He spread the concubine's legs, lifted her up, and thrust forcefully a few times. Just as he was enjoying himself, the door was suddenly pushed open, and someone said, "My beloved concubine, look who's here! What are you doing?"

It was none other than Emperor Mingzong.

When the emperor usually visited the palace, he was always surrounded by attendants, and someone would announce his arrival. Even if he didn't want to be conspicuous, someone would inform him beforehand. But this time, Mingzong wanted to surprise the concubine, so he dismissed the servants and went alone.

He was getting older, and his affection for children was growing stronger. Men are like that; the older they get, the more they like children. In his youth, he paid little attention to his children. Little did he know that Emperor Mingzong, arriving in high spirits, would witness his beloved concubine's illicit affair.

Unable to believe his eyes, Emperor Mingzong roared, "You two adulterers, how could you be so rebellious! I'm furious! I will exterminate your entire clan and tear you to pieces!"

Thinking of how much he valued Zhu Chuanzong and favored Consort Mei, yet suffered such a humiliating disgrace, and then realizing that Princess Chang Le must have also deceived him… Emperor Mingzong, being exceptionally intelligent, understood many things in an instant, and his anger rose higher and higher, almost making it hard to breathe.

Zhu Chuanzong and Consort Mei were both shocked. Seeing that their affair had been exposed by the Emperor, they knew their crimes were unforgivable and they would inevitably lose their heads. However, in this moment of immense pleasure, they simply let go of their feelings, steeled their hearts, and were no longer afraid of anything. Consort

Mei smiled sweetly and moaned, “My dear, big meat stick, Your Majesty, hurry up and fuck

this servant to death!” Zhu Chuanzong no longer cared about the Emperor, his body thrusting violently, shouting, “Even as a ghost, I’ll be romantic! You wretched woman, watch me fuck you to death!”

Before dying, he could still enjoy being the Emperor; truly, his life had not been in vain.

Emperor Mingzong could not tolerate such vulgar language. Seeing his beloved concubine writhing and submitting to another man, he was enraged. Shouting and cursing, he strode towards him with murderous intent. But after two steps, he suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground, panting heavily for a few moments before becoming still.

Zhu Chuanzong thrust forcefully dozens of times, fast and brutal, experiencing a pleasure he had never known before. Consort Mei groaned unconsciously. Finally, Zhu Chuanzong cried out and ejaculated. Only then did he return to reality, seeing the Emperor lying on the ground not far away. The two exchanged a bewildered glance. Zhu Chuanzong hurriedly got out of bed, slowly walked to the Emperor, and touched his nose. His face paled, and he exclaimed, "He's dead!"

Consort Mei also turned pale. The two looked at each other, momentarily at a loss, before finally regaining their composure.

The two were frantically dressing when a commotion arose in the distance. The gate was pushed open, and Pang Laixiao, leading a group of guards, rushed in. Pang Laixiao called out, "Your Majesty, I have arrived!"

This was all part of Pang Laixiao's plan. He had already bribed some of Consort Mei's entourage. Upon hearing that Consort Mei had secretly summoned Zhu Chuanzong to the palace, he devised this scheme.

He deliberately praised Consort Mei to Emperor Mingzong, saying how much she missed him. Emperor Mingzong, believing his beloved consort deeply missed him, was overjoyed and ordered his guards to wait in the distance, intending to surprise her while he went alone.

Pang Laixiao, having learned from his previous mistake of alerting the emperor, had planned meticulously this time, waiting for the emperor to witness the affair before making the arrest.

The guards rushed forward, only to find the emperor lying face up on the ground, and chaos ensued. Upon confirming the emperor's death, Pang Laixiao was initially alarmed, thinking something terrible was about to happen. Suddenly, a surge of joy welled up within him, thinking, "My chance has come!"

The guards present were all trusted confidants he had bribed. Pang Laixiao's eyes darted around, and he shouted, "What's the panic! The emperor has only fainted. Quickly help the emperor back to the palace! Lock Zhu Chuanzong and the other man in the imperial prison!"

Zhu Chuanzong shouted, "You dare?"

But in this haste, those who supported him were not around. The palace guards were all Pang Laixiao's confidants; these people paid no heed to a second-rank official like him. They all followed Pang Laixiao's orders without question.

Pang Laixiao led his men to carry the emperor's body to the imperial bedchamber. He secretly summoned his trusted confidants, and after they had all gathered and discussed the matter, he emerged from the bedchamber weeping, announcing, "The emperor has passed away! Quickly summon all civil and military officials to the main hall! I, the prime minister, will read the emperor's last edict!" The palace was

immediately thrown into chaos, with tolling bells and wailing filling the air.

Meanwhile, Zhu Chuanzong, imprisoned in the imperial jail, thought, "I escaped by chance last time; this time, I'm likely facing a nine-out-of-ten chance of death."

Seducing a concubine and causing the emperor to die of anger on the spot—there was probably no greater crime in the world, truly unprecedented. Zhu Chuanzong had studied criminal law extensively for the past two years, but he still didn't know what charge he should be given. Death by a thousand cuts, confiscation of his property, and extermination of his entire family were enough. Fortunately, the dead could not testify against him, so he might escape such a severe punishment. However, fabricating charges was Pang Laixiao's forte, and he knew Pang Laixiao would never let him go. However, Zhu Chuanzong no longer cared about his own safety. He would rather bear all the blame himself, hoping only that Consort Mei and his family would be safe—that was his greatest wish.

Chapter Three: The Laws of the World Are in Vain

. Several days passed, and due to the lack of communication, Zhu Chuanzong knew nothing of his movements, as if he had been forgotten by everyone. It seemed that Pang Laixiao had gained power; his faction in the court couldn't even get news in, let alone resist. He was a high-ranking official, and some people followed him. Now that he was imprisoned, who could stand against Pang Laixiao? Zhu Chuanzong was uneasy and full of regret. He was young after all; one wrong move and he would lose everything.

That day, when the jailer brought him food, he gave him a wink. Zhu Chuanzong understood, and when no one was around, he carefully searched the food box and found a letter hidden in a compartment. It turned out to be a letter from Wu Siyuan, which read: "Young Master, take care in prison. Now that the First Prince Tang Zhi has ascended the throne, although the court is in turmoil and your whole family is currently under house arrest, there is no need to worry. When you are out of danger, you can take the brocade pouch that I have sent you; it's a good place, and we will meet again in the future."

Zhu Chuanzong felt much more at ease after reading the letter. He secretly burned the letter and hid the brocade pouch close to his body. He thought to himself, "Mr. Wu is so mysterious; I wonder how I will escape!"

However, he knew that Wu Siyuan was always resourceful and had his own reasons, so he didn't think too much about it.

Thinking about the current situation in the court mentioned in the letter, Zhu Chuanzong realized why no one had come to pay attention to him.

With Emperor Mingzong's death and the establishment of a new crown prince, the court was naturally in turmoil. Emperor Mingzong had about ten sons. His eldest son, Tang Zhi, was born to a palace maid and was excluded from the

throne from a young age. His second son was born to the Empress and was made Crown Prince at birth, and according to ancestral rules, the throne should have passed to him. However, this Crown Prince was utterly disappointing, ignorant, arrogant, and domineering. At the age of eighteen, he angered Emperor Mingzong by harassing a concubine in the harem, and was stripped of his title as Crown Prince and ordered to reflect on his actions in seclusion. A few years later, seeing that he seemed to have repented, Emperor Mingzong, on the advice of his ministers, reinstated him as Crown Prince. However, a few years later, the Crown Prince reverted to his old ways, frequenting brothels and falsely accusing Zhu Chuanzong and a general on the frontier. Emperor Mingzong was furious and stripped him of his title again. Extremely disheartened and disappointed, Emperor Mingzong decided not to appoint a Crown Prince at all.

With the position of Crown Prince vacant, all the princes naturally wanted to seize it, and they all set their sights on it. They used various means to compete fiercely. The Seventh Prince was exceptionally brave and skilled in martial arts, having achieved numerous military exploits,

and was most admired by Emperor Mingzong. The Fifth Prince's mother was the daughter of the former Prime Minister Li Hengyi; the Li family was powerful and influential, making the Fifth Prince the most supported by the court officials. Emperor Mingzong wavered between these two candidates, sometimes even seemingly harboring hopes for the former Crown Prince. Relying on his good health, he didn't rush to make a decision.

However, fate intervened, and Emperor Mingzong suddenly died of anger at Zhu Chuanzong. Zhu Chuanzong, recalling his seduction of the Imperial Concubine and their blatant debauchery in the palace in front of the Emperor, felt he had never done anything like it before, truly a peerless warrior. Such outrageous behavior deserved execution; it would be a miracle if he hadn't. He only hoped it wouldn't implicate others. Fortunately, the eldest prince, Tang Zhi, who was his closest friend, ascended the throne, but how could such matters be considered with mercy? Zhu Chuanzong, preoccupied with Consort Mei, his unborn child, and the many beautiful women around him, couldn't help but feel a deep sense of melancholy.

Two days later, one night, a eunuch came to the prison to take him away, but Zhu Chuanzong didn't recognize him.

The eunuch announced the Emperor's decree: "The Emperor has decreed that the criminal Zhu Chuanzong be brought to the palace to see

His Majesty." Zhu Chuanzong knew then that the struggle for the throne seemed to be settled, and the Emperor had freed up his hands to deal with him.

Along the way, he saw large groups of guards patrolling everywhere, and a tense atmosphere permeated the palace.

Upon arriving at the Imperial Study, he saw a man in a dragon robe standing by the window, gazing at the moonlight.

A guard said, "Your Majesty, Zhu Chuanzong has arrived."

The man waved for the guard to leave and slowly turned around. Zhu Chuanzong was surprised: "It really is him!"

The man before him, nearing forty, with a fair complexion and no beard, wore a slight smile—none other than Tang Zhi.

Zhu Chuanzong was stunned, then smiled bitterly, "I never imagined you would become emperor. Although this has always been my wish, I'm afraid to see you now."

Tang Zhi nodded, "I understand

what you mean," his face expressionless.

Although Tang Zhi was Emperor Mingzong's eldest son, his birth mother was merely a lowly palace maid who died shortly after giving birth to him. From a young age, Tang Zhi was neither favored by the emperor nor supported by his mother's family like other princes. Although he had the support of ministers like Zhu Chuanzong, he himself held no real power in the palace, making it impossible for him to gain any real support. Moreover, he was already over forty; among Emperor Mingzong's many sons, Tang Zhi was arguably the least likely to inherit the throne.

Tang Zhi continued, "You kept in cahoots with the outside world while you were in prison. You were my only best friend. Without your planning and support, how could I have become emperor?"

Zhu Chuanzong's mind raced, and he vaguely guessed the truth. He asked hesitantly, "Was it Pang Laixiao?"

Tang Zhi looked at Zhu Chuanzong with admiration and sighed, "I knew you were exceptionally intelligent; you guessed it so quickly. That's right, Pang Laixiao forged the emperor's edict, claiming that I was to inherit the throne. The ministers who have always been on good terms with you naturally support me, and with Pang Laixiao's power..." "Those princes and ministers who opposed me are now either imprisoned or killed, which allowed me to ascend the throne smoothly."

Zhu Chuanzong couldn't help but say, "But Pang Laixiao didn't have good intentions either, you must be careful."

Tang Zhi said calmly, "I know. He supported me to the throne simply because he saw that I had no power base and could be easily controlled. He wanted to treat me as a puppet, but a puppet emperor is better than a destitute prince whom no one cares about. Besides, once I have the title of emperor, it's still unknown who will win in the future."

His tone also carried a hint of murderous intent.

Looking at his self-satisfied expression, Zhu Chuanzong suddenly said, "Are you planning to see me one last time before killing me?"

Tang Zhi looked at him for a moment, then suddenly laughed and said, "Why would I kill you? Because you angered my father to death? Come to think of it, if it weren't for that, I wouldn't have become emperor. My father was over seventy and passed away because of poor health; I don't think it has much to do with you. Besides, to be honest, I should be thanking you."

Although Zhu Chuanzong felt relieved upon hearing this, he was somewhat displeased, thinking to himself, "The royal family has truly lost all humanity in their struggle for power; the son is actually happy that his father was angered to death."

At this moment, he forgot that what he had done was the most rebellious act in history.

But then Tang Zhi said, "My father has ignored me for decades and never treated me like a son. On the contrary, you and I have a deep friendship. I can't bear to kill you. I'll send someone to take you out of the city in a bit, and you can escape on your own. If you can endure for a few years, I'll summon you to the capital after I've dealt with Pang Laixiao, and we'll govern the country together."

Zhu Chuanzong was deeply moved by this unexpected outcome. After thinking for a moment, he asked again, still uneasy, "What about my family? I hope you can spare their lives."

Tang Zhi smiled and said, "If I release you, your family will naturally be innocent as well. I have already publicly declared that your crime was merely inappropriate speech that angered the late emperor, who decreed that your father be stripped of his post and banished from the capital. Hmph, Pang Laixiao wants to execute your entire family and eradicate his political enemies, how could I let him have his way? However, he certainly won't let you off easily, and I can't guard against any moves he might make behind the scenes, so be careful."

Zhu Chuanzong was startled upon hearing this, thinking, "As long as I, Zhu Chuanzong, am alive, Pang Laixiao will never be at ease, and he won't be able to focus on politics. This is for the best."

He looked up at his former gentle and refined friend. Back then, Tang Zhi, under the alias Huang Qi, had been a close friend of Zhu Chuanzong, traveling together, drinking wine, discussing literature, and criticizing current affairs. Now, Tang Zhi wore imperial robes, his mind heavy. Although he was still very kind to him, Zhu Chuanzong felt as if he were a completely different person. Zhu Chuanzong couldn't help but sigh, "Status and status really can change a person completely."

Tang Zhi asked, "Do you have any other requests?"

Zhu Chuanzong hesitated for a moment, thinking, "I don't need to worry about the princess, but..."

So he said, "Consort Mei... she..."

Tang Zhi sneered and said, "It seems this matter is true. Zhu Chuanzong, you really have a lot of courage. However, this is a royal scandal, so I naturally won't publicize it. Since you've said it, I'll spare her life and lock her in the Cold Palace. I was afraid you would make a mistake in matters of the heart because you are young, so I had my sworn sister marry you, but you still suffered such a great loss. I only hope that you can repent in the future. You are still young, and there will still be opportunities in the future!"

Zhu Chuanzong had originally been prepared to die, but now that he knew he could live, thinking about the difficult life ahead, he couldn't help but feel dejected. He nodded, not knowing what to say.

Tang Zhi gave an order, and his subordinate brought over a tray with a monk's robe, a begging bowl, and a monk's certificate on it. Zhu Chuanzong looked at him, somewhat puzzled.

Tang Zhi said, "The people searching and guarding outside are all Pang Laixiao's men. You need to disguise yourself as a monk to slip out."

Immediately, someone shaved Zhu Chuanzong's head and applied incense scars. Zhu Chuanzong transformed into a wandering monk.

Tang Zhi laughed, "You're an imperial monk, your status isn't low."

Although Zhu Chuanzong was full of thoughts, he smiled as well.

Tang Zhi sent two trusted guards to escort Zhu Chuanzong, secretly sending him out of the city under the cover of night. Although the checks along the way were strict, Zhu Chuanzong's disguise was convincing enough that he passed without incident.

After completing their mission, the two guards took their leave. Zhu Chuanzong looked back at the tall city walls of the capital, feeling a pang of longing. The world was vast, but he didn't know where to go.

While he hesitated, he suddenly heard someone say, "Life is like this, fleeting like this, birth and death are predestined, who knows who knows; love ends and begins, true love and infatuation, where do they go, where do they go?"

Zhu Chuanzong turned his head and saw an old monk. He sighed, "Master, where do you come from? May I ask your Dharma name?"

The monk said, "I am Yikong, a monk from Yunyin Temple outside the city. I am an old friend of Mr. Wu. Come with me! From now on, your Dharma name will be Bukong."

Then he recited, "The world is like an illusion, like a dream, like an echo, like light, like a shadow, like a transformation, like a bubble in water, like an image in a mirror, like heat, like the moon in water. Therefore, all phenomena are impermanent, a single thought is in my own mind... Mahaprajnaparamita."

This was a passage from the Mahayana Prajnaparamita Sutra, which Zhu Chuanzong had never heard before, but recalling his past encounters, he was stunned.

Zhu Chuanzong secluded himself in Yunyin Temple, listening to Buddhist scriptures and chanting daily, which greatly broadened his understanding. Buddhist teachings say that glory and wealth are like the blooming and fading of flowers, gathering and scattering like the coming and going of clouds; extreme prosperity inevitably leads to decline—these are all inevitable events in life.

Zhu Chuanzong had gone from being universally adored to being utterly destitute, from former wealth and prosperity to abject poverty. If he hadn't heard the teachings of Buddhism, he might have gone mad with grief. Now, listening to the scriptures and hearing the Buddha's teachings these days, he couldn't help but gain a new understanding of life.

That day, he recalled a poem he had once read: "The beaded curtain and feather fan are long and lonely, how can one climb the dragon's beard of Dinghu? A thousand years of human affairs vanish in a single day, the four seas are home but this road leads to ruin. Where is the spirit of heroes now? Altars and palaces are overgrown with weeds. Meeting an old man on the road, he sighs deeply, the vicissitudes of life are unpredictable. In the past, brothels were filled with singing and dancing, today yellow dust gathers thorns. Mountains and rivers fill his eyes with tears, how long can wealth and glory last? Do you not see now on the Fen River, only wild geese fly year after year in autumn."

It perfectly matched his current situation, the ups and downs of life, and he could

n't help but sigh deeply. Yikong appeared beside him at some point and recited: "What is the point of this busy life, the grand banquet will eventually end. A thousand kinds of joy and sorrow are all illusions, the past and present are all a dream, all absurd. Bukong, all things are predestined, when predestined things come together, they come together, when predestined things end, they part.

Our predestined relationship has ended, we must part."

Zhu Chuanzong was startled and said, "I used to pride myself on my intelligence, but before the Buddha, I realize my own foolishness and shallowness. I wish to learn more about Buddhism from you, Master. Would you not allow that?"

Yikong said, "The Dharma is profound, and it only guides those with affinity. To you, you are ultimately a seeker of worldly fame and fortune. Although you think you are detached, you are still attached to appearances. Now, your affinity with the Buddha has ended. There are soldiers outside arresting monks, and all monks in the capital will be questioned. You can no longer pretend to be a monk."

Zhu Chuanzong then understood and knelt down, saying, "Thank you, Master. I know that staying any longer will implicate you. I will leave now."

Yikong said, "Even after hundreds of thousands of kalpas, the karma you have created will not perish. When the conditions are right, you will reap the consequences. Take care of yourself!"

At this moment, a young monk came in, took some clothes, helped him disguise himself, and then escorted him out of the temple.

Once outside the temple, the world was vast; where could he go? Suddenly, a thought struck him. He remembered the brocade pouch left by Wu Siyuan. Opening it, he found a slip of paper inside with a line of small characters: "If anything changes, go to Yue Keren in Jianghuai. Have you forgotten the '

three burrows' strategy of a cunning rabbit?" Zhu Chuanzong suddenly realized that Yue Keren's refusal to return to the capital with him was at Wu Siyuan's behest. Zhu Chuanzong was utterly impressed by Wu Siyuan's foresight.

Zhu Chuanzong declared, "Tall trees are often swept by mournful winds, and the sea is filled with turbulent waves. Without a sharp sword in hand, why bother with many friends!"

Without further hesitation, Zhu Chuanzong strode off.

He concealed his tracks, hiding during the day and traveling at night, heading south. After two days, the imperial warrant for his capture had spread, plastered all over the streets and alleys.

The warrant accused Zhu Chuanzong of "abusing power and disrupting the government, forming cliques for personal gain," and of being "unruly and defiant against the late emperor," fabricating twenty or thirty charges against him.对于媚妃之事，果然是一点也没提。

百姓们围着榜文观看，议论纷纷。

有人道：「朱大人秉公执法，爱民如子，这些罪名根本就是捏造的嘛！」

有的道：「唉，这也是没办法的事。先皇驾崩，朝廷以后就是庞来孝说了算了。他说朱大人有罪，谁能说没有？」

也有人半信半疑地道：「也许这些罪名是真的吧？俗话说知人知面不知心，当官的哪有不贪的？说不定朱传宗以前是在演戏。」

顿时一群人对他怒目而视。一个大汉叫道：「老子是从西北迁过来的。我们那里闹灾，是朱大人救了我们的命！你再敢污蔑大人，小心我揍你！」

那人缩了缩脖子，也不敢再乱说了。

朱传宗戴了一顶斗笠，躲在角落，听到百姓这么爱戴自己，心中着实感动。

He sighed softly and said, "The people's hearts are truly powerful; justice indeed resides in the hearts of the people!" The pent-up

frustration of his days on the run dissipated considerably.

He pulled his straw hat down further, quietly slipped out of the crowd, and continued on his way. Although he felt he was far from the capital, he still disguised himself as a monk, begging for alms to solve his livelihood problem.

This wanted poster relied entirely on the power of the people. If the people supported it, the criminal would have nowhere to hide; if the people did not support it, it would be nothing but a piece of paper! The people knew that Zhu Chuanzong was innocent, and they deliberately let suspicious people go, especially since Zhu Chuanzong's monk disguise was so convincing. As a result, he encountered no danger along the way, all the way to Jianghuai Province.

Two months later, based on his memory, Zhu Chuanzong found the former residence of Yue Ke in Shangqing County, Lutong Prefecture, Jianghuai Province.

The Yue family had originally been wealthy, but later, due to legal troubles, their fortunes declined. After Zhu Chuanzong helped Yue Yiming overturn his case, he returned the house and land to the Yue family. However, much of their property had been confiscated and could never be recovered. Before leaving, Zhu Chuanzong left them some silver, which he thought would be enough for them to live on.

Disguised as a monk, Zhu Chuanzong knocked on the door, only to be met with a stranger.

The man said impatiently, "Go away! Go away! My family has no money for a monk!"

Zhu Chuanzong said, "I have a long-standing relationship with Yue Yiming. May I ask if Mr. Yue is home?"

The man sized him up and said, "The original resident of this house was named Yue Yiming, but he moved away half a year ago."

Zhu Chuanzong was slightly surprised and asked, "Moved away? May I ask where he moved to?"

The man said irritably, "How should I know?"

After thinking for a moment, he added, "It seems he moved to Anxing County next door. You'd better leave now!"

He then closed the door.

Zhu Chuanzong, used to his powerful position, was met with a cold shoulder and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Looking at his monk's robes, he thought, "Truly, a tiger fallen into the plains is bullied by dogs." He

shook his head and turned to leave.

He went to Yue Keren's uncle Yue Xiangdong's house, but it was empty; the man had vanished without a trace. Having no clue, Zhu Chuanzong had no choice but to go to Anxing County.

Anxing County wasn't large, but it had tens of thousands of households. Finding someone out of nowhere was like searching for a needle in a haystack—no easy task. Zhu Chuanzong, under the guise of begging for alms, wandered the streets and alleys, searching meticulously. However, after searching for over a month, he still had no news.

One day, after searching for half a day without success, seeing that it was almost noon and his stomach was growling with hunger, he happened to see a noodle stall by the street and went over.

Zhu Chuanzong sat down in a secluded corner and said, "Please cook a bowl of vegetarian noodles for this humble monk."

The noodle seller, who was cooking noodles with her back to him, responded with a woman's voice.

He overheard two customers at the next table whispering among themselves while eating their noodles. One man said, "This Miss Zhu is truly beautiful; no wonder everyone calls her the 'Noodle-Selling Beauty.'"

Another said, "Yes, if I could marry such a beautiful wife, I'd gladly give up ten years of my life!"

The first man laughed, "Don't dream. This girl is beautiful, but she's not someone to mess with! I heard that a few days ago, Young Master Wu wanted to take her as a concubine and came to pester her, only to be scalded by a bowl of hot noodle soup, leaving him with blisters on his face."

Zhu Chuanzong smiled to himself, thinking, "This noodle-selling girl is quite interesting. She sounds like a woman of strong character."

Afraid of revealing his identity, he didn't dare to look up, but simply pulled his straw hat down low and buried his head in his noodles. When it was time to pay, the noodle-selling woman wiped her hands with her apron and bowed, saying, "No need, just consider it a good deed."

Zhu Chuanzong recognized her refined manner and familiar voice. When he looked up, both of them were startled. Zhu Chuanzong opened his mouth, and the word "charming" almost slipped out.

Yue Keren's face lit up with surprise, her small hand covering her mouth, her eyes reddening. Knowing this wasn't the place to talk, she whispered something to the old man doing the accounting beside her. The old man turned to look and, sure enough, it was Yue Keren's father, Yue Yiming.

The three of them understood each other perfectly. Yue Yiming and his daughter pretended to have something to do and packed up their stall. Zhu Chuanzong followed them, winding through the streets until they entered a small courtyard.

Yue Yiming carefully looked around, closed the door, and bowed to Zhu Chuanzong,

saying, "Benefactor!" Zhu Chuanzong quickly helped him up. Yue Keren gazed at him, seeing his current state of disgrace, all her past resentment towards him vanished. She said, "Young Master, I saw there was a bounty on your head outside, I was so worried. You, why did you become a nun?"

Seeing her tearful, pitiful appearance, Zhu Chuanzong felt both pity and love, and smiled, "I'm just pretending to be a nun, to deceive people."

He then recounted his past experiences.

Yue Keren patted her chest and let out a long breath, saying, "Pang Laixiao is so hateful. Luckily you're alright. Young Master, you can live with us from now on. We have no relatives or friends here, so we won't be discovered."

Zhu Chuanzong said, "I'm just afraid of implicating you."

Yue Yiming said, "Lord Zhu, what are you saying! If it weren't for you overturning my case, my family would have been ruined long ago. It's my greatest fortune to be able to do my part for my benefactor. It's just that my humble abode is probably too small for you."

Zhu Chuanzong thought to himself, "The ancients said that a strong wind reveals the strength of the grass, and time reveals the true character of a person. How true!"

Since his misfortune, he had experienced many hardships and witnessed the coldness of human relationships. Now, he appreciated the sincerity of the Yue family father and daughter even more. He

then inquired about the Yue family's recent situation. It turned out that after Zhu Chuanzong overturned the Yue family's case, the newly arrived magistrate believed that Zhu Chuanzong was the Yue family's backer, so he dared not cause them any trouble. However, after two years, seeing that no one from the Zhu family contacted them anymore, the officials who had been implicated in the overturned case gradually became bolder. They imposed taxes and levies, making things difficult for the Yue family at every turn, and even targeting Yue Xiangdong's family.

However, misfortune struck again. Yue Yiming's concubine, Xiao Shun's birth mother, fell seriously ill last year and, after a long and incurable illness, passed away. The Yue family had spent all their savings on her treatment. Meanwhile, the Cai family, who had previously seized their family fortune, took the opportunity to further their misfortune. Seeing that they had nowhere else to go, Yue Yiming and his brother had no choice but to leave their hometown. Yue Yiming moved to Anxing County with Yue Keren and her siblings, while Yue Xiangdong simply went to another prefecture.

In Anxing County, Yue Keren opened a small noodle stall, making noodles. Yue Yiming helped her with the accounts, while Xiao Shun became an apprentice at a general store.

Zhu Chuanzong, filled with anger and resentment, gritted his teeth and said, "These corrupt officials! I should have killed them all!"

After a long pause, he sighed and said, "It's all my fault for not handling things properly; in the end, I've dragged you all down with me."

And so, Zhu Chuanzong stayed at the Yue family's house. A few days later, seeing how hard Yue Yiming and his daughter worked from dawn till dusk, he secretly resolved to help.

That day, Zhu Chuanzong got up early and heard a crackling sound. Following

the sound, he found Yue Keren chopping firewood in the backyard. Under the morning glow, Yue Keren's pretty face was flushed, her small mouth slightly open as she breathed heavily, a few beads of sweat glistening on her forehead. She looked as delicate as a peach blossom with dew, yet also incredibly pitiful. She was, after all, frail, and often couldn't chop a single piece of firewood in five or six strokes. But she still gripped the knife handle tightly, swinging it with all her might, her brows furrowed with determination.

Zhu Chuanzong went over and took the knife, saying, "This isn't something a young lady should do; let me do it."

Yue Keren initially refused, struggling slightly, and accidentally touched Zhu Chuanzong's large hand. Her face flushed, and she let go, standing aside and watching.

Zhu Chuanzong picked up a piece of firewood, placed it on the ground, and chopped it with the knife. With a crack, the tip of the knife stuck into the ground, and the firewood flew far away. Yue Keren couldn't help but chuckle. Zhu Chuanzong blushed and said, "I didn't realize this firewood was so playful."

Yue Keren's smile deepened at his amusing remark. She said softly, "Young Master, you've never done this before. There's a trick to splitting firewood. You have to follow the grain of the wood to split it."

Zhu Chuanzong was incredibly clever; he quickly grasped the trick, his axe flying up and down, and in the blink of an eye, he had chopped up a pile of firewood.

Yue Keren stared at him, her eyes sparkling with interest, lost in thought.

However, Zhu Chuanzong, having grown up in wealth, was also tired despite his robust physique. Yue Keren took out a handkerchief and stepped forward to wipe the sweat from Zhu Chuanzong's cheeks. Zhu Chuanzong, inhaling her delicate fragrance and staring at her beautiful face, was momentarily stunned.

Yue Keren blushed and lowered her head, saying, "Young Master, we've had enough firewood. You should rest for a while."

Zhu Chuanzong looked at her teasingly and suddenly let out a "humph."

Yue Keren looked up, puzzled, and asked, "Is something bothering you, Young Master?"

Zhu Chuanzong replied, "I'm angry with Mr. Wu, angry that he came up with this cunning scheme!"

Yue Keren asked in surprise, "Mr. Wu is so thoughtful and farsighted. You should thank him, Young Master. Why are you blaming him?"

Zhu Chuanzong snorted again, "If it weren't for his idea, I would have been with you long ago."

This was practically a veiled confession. Yue Keren blushed, looked around in a fluster, and said, "I... I have to go with Father to set up the stall."

She turned to run away.

Zhu Chuanzong looked at her frail figure, feeling reluctant to part with her, and couldn't help but say, "Keren, I'll go with you to sell noodles!"

Chapter Four: I Am a Fish

to Be Eaten. Following the instructions in Mr. Wu's brocade pouch, Zhu Chuanzong found Yue Keren, and they ran the small shop together, living peacefully. To avoid being seen, Zhu Chuanzong grew a beard and wore a wig. Once his hair grew out, he was no longer afraid. However, Yue Yiming was still worried about trouble, so he arranged for Zhu Chuanzong to marry Yue Keren and then send them to live in a remote place.

Beijiang Province was the farthest and most remote province in the Great Liang Kingdom, so the two settled there in a small county called Suiping, where they opened a small inn to make a living.

Zhu Chuanzong, having held a high position and lived a life of luxury, was naturally very discerning about food. He had not only dined at famous restaurants in the capital but had also attended countless imperial banquets. Even if he didn't know how to cook those famous dishes from both the north and south, he had tasted them many times and, through trial and error, managed to create a few dishes. While he couldn't compare to renowned chefs, he was quite outstanding in this remote county, and the inn's business flourished.

For an ordinary person, such a life would be quite satisfactory, but Zhu Chuanzong had once held a high position in the court, wielding considerable influence, and lived a life of luxury at home, surrounded by beautiful women. Now, merely a cook in a small inn, spending his days with a spatula, how could he not be restless? Moreover, whenever he thought of the treacherous officials who held sway in the court, running rampant and lawless, and how his family had been implicated by him and now lived in unknown circumstances, he couldn't help but sigh and feel indignant all day long.

Yue Keren was a clever and perceptive woman; seeing his worried expression, she knew exactly what he was thinking. However, she wanted to comfort him but didn't know where to begin.

That day, the shop closed early, and Zhu Chuanzong brewed a pot of tea. He sat in the courtyard, watching the setting sun on the horizon, and thinking of his relatives thousands of miles away, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. Yue Keren poured the tea while watching him, and suddenly smiled.

Zhu Chuanzong looked down and saw that she was wearing a long, coarse yellow silk dress, her black hair cascading over her shoulders, adorned with a pearl hairpin.

Her eyebrows were arched, her eyes were bright and clear, and her pretty face seemed delicate and fragile. Although dressed in commoner's attire, it couldn't hide her natural beauty. With her sleeves rolled up, her delicate hands, with slender fingers, full yet not fleshy, soft and boneless, were indescribably lovely. His worries lessened somewhat, and he smiled, "What interesting thing happened, my wife? Tell me about it."

Yue Keren handed him tea and smiled, "I just suddenly remembered a story that's somewhat related to our inn, so I found it interesting."

Zhu Chuanzong asked, "What story?"

Yue Keren said, "Once upon a time, there was a great scholar who fell in love with the daughter of a wealthy merchant, and the two agreed to elope. However, the scholar's family was very poor, so the wealthy young lady opened a small inn herself, selling wine at the stove—"

She paused here, then looked at Zhu Chuanzong tenderly and smiled.

Zhu Chuanzong said, "You're talking about the story of Sima Xiangru and Zhuo Wenjun. It's a timeless tale."

After thinking for a moment, he sighed softly, "Zhuo Wenjun was exceptionally talented and beautiful, and you're no less so. However, Sima Xiangru was a famous scholar, while I'm just a fugitive with a criminal record! I don't know how long I'll have to endure this impoverished life of hiding my identity."

Yue Keren said, "But I'm very happy!"

Zhu Chuanzong asked curiously, "What's so happy about suffering?"

Yue Keren thought for a moment and said, "When you were wealthy, you had countless people serving you. But when you're down on your luck, only I have the opportunity to be by your side. How fortunate I am!"

As she spoke, she smiled proudly, and took Zhu Chuanzong's hand, saying, "Besides, your current predicament is only temporary. You'll make a comeback sooner or later. There are countless people in the world waiting for you to uphold justice for them."

Zhu Chuanzong was stunned for a long time, then murmured, "Will I ever have a chance to return to

public life?" Yue Keren said, "When I first went to the capital to file a complaint, it took a year with no results. I was left wandering the streets, thinking I would never have any hope of redressing my grievances. But soon I met my husband, and he overturned my father's case and cleared his name. Nothing is impossible for a willing heart. My husband's talent and insight far surpass mine; surely he understands this?"

Zhu Chuanzong was deeply moved, thinking, "Keren is trying to comfort me. She is a strong and courageous woman. As her husband, how can I be discouraged by setbacks? I'm not even as good as a woman. I was banished from heaven to the mortal world, but I've experienced human love and done many great things for the people. Now that I've fallen from the court to the common people, it's a good opportunity for me to experience their hardships!"

Zhu Chuanzong understood a bit, and his mood lessened.

In the blink of an eye, the hotel had been open for over a month. Two constables arrived at noon that day. They looked around and said to Zhu Chuanzong, "Boss, your business is doing well."

Zhu Chuanzong assumed they were there for lunch and hurriedly greeted them. However, the two men didn't sit down. One minute they were praising the restaurant's many customers and good business, the next they were complaining about how hard they worked as constables, chatting idly about this and that.

After a few sentences, Zhu Chuanzong understood that these two constables were there to freeload. He managed to respond politely for a few moments, but his disgust grew, and he wanted to kick them out. However, remembering his current status, he had to restrain himself.

The two constables talked for a long time, becoming increasingly blatant, almost directly demanding money. Seeing that Zhu Chuanzong still seemed not to understand, they exchanged a glance, and one of them coughed and said, "Boss, you haven't paid your monthly allowance yet, have you?"

Zhu Chuanzong replied, "What allowance? We've already paid our shop's taxes."

The constable said, "The shop taxes you paid go to the imperial court, the allowance I'm talking about goes to the yamen."

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "Don't joke, officers. The yamen has its own salary from the imperial court, why would we commoners be charged?"

The other constable couldn't help but say, "Are you pretending not to know or are you really unaware? With that little bit of money, we brothers would starve! You just pay what we're told, do you even want to do business?"

In the past, let alone a lowly constable, even high-ranking officials from the province or ministry wouldn't dare speak to Zhu Chuanzong like that. But now, he had no choice but to bow his head under the eaves. Zhu Chuanzong was furious inside, but he couldn't show his displeasure on his face. He said, "My shop is small and the profits are meager. If the officials don't have official documents from the yamen, I'm sorry, but I won't pay."

The two yamen runners were enraged, but seeing the customers all around, they couldn't retaliate. They glared at Zhu Chuanzong for a long time, then one of the runners sneered, "Then I wish you good business!"

The two turned and stormed off.

Yue Keren said worriedly, "Won't we get into trouble for offending these officials? Should we just give them the money?"

Zhu Chuanzong knew that Yue Keren had suffered enough from the government before, so he held her hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, I'm here. They're extorting money; they don't have a legal basis. They won't stand up to us even if we take them to court." Although Zhu Chuanzong

said he didn't care, he wasn't at ease inside. He had long heard the saying: "It's easier to send the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings." There's also a saying, "A local official is more powerful than a distant one," which describes the officials and runners in the yamen.

Despite their low rank, these officials wielded considerable power, riding high on the shoulders of the common people. Zhu Chuanzong had witnessed firsthand the tyranny and bullying of ordinary citizens by yamen runners during his investigations in other regions. Now, having offended them, he feared that if they caused trouble every few days, his business would be ruined.

Thinking of this, Zhu Chuanzong couldn't help but feel regret. He wasn't afraid for himself, but he had Yue Keren, a vulnerable woman, by his side. If

she were implicated, it would be disastrous. After pondering for a long time, Zhu Chuanzong gritted his teeth and thought, "Fine, if they come asking for money again tomorrow, I'll give it to them. Consider it a bite from a dog." Having made this decision, a bitter feeling welled up inside him, and he felt extremely sad. A high-ranking official of the court, now reduced to bowing to petty officials in the marketplace—the bitterness was indescribable. He stared blankly for half a day, unable to sleep well all night.

The next day, the two yamen runners did not return. In the afternoon, a group of patrons started making a scene. They claimed to have found a cockroach in their food and were demanding an explanation from the owner.

The kitchen was cleaned daily by two people; how could there be a cockroach? Zhu Chuanzong was puzzled. He went over to investigate and saw five or six burly men at the table, all with slanted eyebrows and thuggish expressions, looking nothing like respectable customers. Zhu Chuanzong was worried about the constables collecting money and didn't want to argue with them. He also feared that a dispute would be seen by other customers and damage the hotel's reputation, so he could only offer some polite words, waive their bill, and pay them a few coins before finally managing to send them away.

However, the same group returned the next day. After a hearty meal, they started making a scene again, claiming to have found a fly in their food.

Zhu Chuanzong immediately realized that these people were deliberately trying to cause trouble. He clenched his fist, ready to teach those scoundrels a lesson. Yue Keren hurriedly pulled him back, trying to persuade him for a long time, saying it wasn't worth ruining business over a meal. Although Zhu Chuanzong was furious, he knew she was right, so he could only sit behind the counter, sulking. Yue Keren personally took some silver, apologized to them, and sent them away.

On the third day, after the group finished their meal, they pulled out a rat's tail to start a fuss. Zhu Chuanzong couldn't hold back any longer and rushed over, angrily demanding, "What do you want?"

Having long held a high position, Zhu Chuanzong naturally possessed an imposing aura, and the group was startled. However, seeing that Zhu Chuanzong was alone, wearing greasy cook's clothes, they suddenly became bolder. The skinny man in the lead said, "You have to compensate us!"

Zhu Chuanzong asked, "What do you want?"

The skinny man replied, "We don't want much. Seeing how good your inn's business is, as long as you pay ten taels of silver every month, we'll call it even."

Yue Keren angrily said, "Isn't this extortion?"

The skinny man grinned and said, "What if we get seriously ill after eating cockroaches? Ten taels of silver is too little. But you're so beautiful, young lady. If you'd spend a few nights with me, maybe we could discuss it."

As he spoke, he reached out to touch Yue Keren's cheek. The people around burst into laughter.

Zhu Chuanzong had initially intended to tolerate it, but seeing that they dared to bully Yue Keren, he immediately flew into a rage. He grabbed the skinny man's hand and sneered, "Fine, here's the silver!"

With a forceful throw, he sent the skinny man flying ten feet away, rolling out of the inn's doorway.

Fearing that the inn's property would be damaged, Zhu Chuanzong rushed out first. The group of people, shouting that they would teach him a lesson, followed him out and swarmed him, starting a fight right there in the street.

These people were nothing more than street thugs, used to bullying others because of their numbers; they had no real skill and were quickly beaten to a pulp by Zhu Chuanzong. Zhu Chuanzong, who had been holding back his resentment for days and had nowhere to vent it, seized this opportunity and beat them all black and blue, and still wouldn't stop.

The thugs, unable to fight back or run away, cried and begged for mercy, kneeling on the ground, pleading, "Sir, please spare us! The yamen runners sent us. We'll never dare to do it again!"

Zhu Chuanzong was taken aback and asked, "What did you say?"

The skinny leader, kowtowing and crying, said, "We had no choice. We're all poor people from the city, with no land and no skills. The yamen runners summoned us and told us what to do, and we have to do it, or we'll go hungry. We dare not disobey."

Another thug chimed in, "All the money we extorted has to be handed over to the yamen runners; we don't even keep 30% for ourselves. My wife and children are waiting for rice to cook!"

Zhu Chuanzong was stunned. Seeing their pitiful crying, he waved them away. He returned to the shop, sat at the counter, and his face was very grim.

Yue Keren sat down next to him and said, "Sir, so these scoundrels were all sent by the yamen runners. It seems they held a grudge because we refused to pay."

Zhu Chuanzong nodded and sighed, "I've learned something new today. When the officials can't extort money, they send thugs to cause trouble. Isn't this collusion between officials and bandits?"

Yue Keren said, "Sir, you just taught them a good lesson. They certainly won't dare to cause trouble again."

Zhu Chuanzong said, "These scoundrels are hateful, but they also have their reasons. Ultimately, it's the yamen runners' fault!"

Yue Keren said, "Sir, you still have a lawsuit to attend to, it's not good to get entangled with them, we should..."

Zhu Chuanzong sighed, "That's the only way."

Two days later, two constables came to the door, pretending to be serious, saying, "Someone reported that your shop is very unsanitary, there are even cockroaches in the food. Is that true?"

Zhu Chuanzong didn't have time to waste words with them, and said directly, "Officers, just name a amount, we're willing to pay."

The two constables were taken aback, and said, "Then pay three taels of silver as a sanitation fee first."

Zhu Chuanzong cursed inwardly when he heard that he was asking for three taels, but had no choice but to wrap up the silver. When the two constables saw the silver, they immediately smiled, took it and put it in their pockets, saying, "Wouldn't it have been better if you had known this earlier?"

They left triumphantly.

They thought the matter would be over, but a few days later, the two constables came to the door again, saying that there were many thieves in the city recently, and the officials were working very hard, so they wanted to collect a security fee.

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Catching thieves is the government's duty. Those paid by the court naturally have to do their jobs. Why ask the people for money?"

One of the constables replied, "Officials work during the day, while thieves commit crimes at night. Of course, we should receive double pay."

Although Zhu Chuanzong was furious, after hesitating for a long time, he suppressed his anger, took the silver, and sent them away.

A few days later, the two constables didn't come; two new faces appeared instead. This time, they were collecting education fees, saying the county school was old and needed renovation.

Zhu Chuanzong couldn't help but say, "Schools are managed by the Ministry of Rites; it has nothing to do with local governments. Besides, there are special funds from the Ministry of Revenue, so why are they charging us?"

The two constables were stunned. They didn't understand these government institutions at all, and they didn't know if Zhu Chuanzong was telling the truth. However, having been collecting money under various pretexts for so long, they had long since mastered the art of twisting logic. One of the constables immediately said, "The funds allocated by the imperial court are for the teachers at the academy. We're collecting money to improve the environment, to give students better study conditions, and your children will benefit from it in the future."

Zhu Chuanzong replied, "I don't have any children, what benefit could I possibly receive?"

Another constable immediately retorted, "You don't have children now, and you won't have any in the future either? This is about benefiting future generations, don't you understand?" It was

truly a case of a scholar encountering a soldier—reason was useless. Zhu Chuanzong glared at them without speaking. Yue Keren, fearing he might lose his temper, quickly came over and gave them five taels of silver, thus calming the situation down.

Zhu Chuanzong cursed, "These bloodsuckers! This is endless! What's the difference between them and robbers? If I had encountered them before, I would have chopped their heads off!"

Yue Keren patted his back to soothe him, saying, "Husband, don't be angry. This kind of thing is perfectly normal. My family used to run a business, and every year we were extorted by officials, and the bribes we had to pay to the yamen were more than the normal taxes. As long as we can do business peacefully, consider it a loss to avoid further trouble."

Zhu Chuanzong said, "The state has its own fixed taxes. Does that mean illegal things are normal?"

Yue Keren smiled and said, "Husband, you're so insightful about officialdom, how come you can't understand this now? Since you know officials are corrupt, where does the money they embezzle come from? High-ranking officials take money from low-ranking officials, and low-ranking officials have small salaries, so of course they take money from..." "It's the people's idea. We business people are a little better off, but the worst off are like my family. Closing down our business is one thing, but some people can't even manage that."

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Oh? Tell me about it."

Yue Keren thought for a moment and said, "It's like this in my hometown. There's a tax called the seedling tax. As long as you plant a tree, you have to pay a tax every three feet it grows. By the time the tree matures, the tax you pay is more than the value of the tree itself. Some people can't afford to pay, so they have to cut down the trees they planted. But then they have to pay a logging tax, which is even higher than the seedling tax. I've heard that some families have been driven to bankruptcy because they planted too many trees, and some have even lost their lives."

Zhu Chuanzong felt a pang of sadness. He hadn't expected that people, besides being oppressed and having nowhere to seek redress when they were wronged, also had such a hard life. Although he had handled many major cases before, this was the first time he had experienced the hardships of people's lives like this.

He couldn't help but think of an old saying: "Man is the butcher's knife, and I am the fish on the chopping block!" In the current situation, corrupt officials are the butcher's block, and the common people are the fish on the chopping block, forced to swallow their anger and be slaughtered at will.

A few days later, Zhu Chuanzong returned from purchasing goods and found Yue Keren looking worried. He hurriedly inquired and learned that they had just received a notice to raise funds for disaster relief in the Northwest, requiring a minimum donation of five taels of silver. Although the inn's business was good, they had been extorted several times and were now out of money.

Zhu Chuanzong cursed, "This is outrageous!"

It's no wonder he was so angry. The disaster in the Northwest had occurred several years ago, and he had personally organized the relief efforts. Now they were using this as an excuse to collect money—could there be anything more absurd in the world?

Seeing his anger, Yue Keren quickly advised, "Husband,

don't be angry. I'll pawn two pieces of jewelry tomorrow and give them the money." Zhu Chuanzong said, "I understand now. Kindness is taken advantage of, and good horses are ridden. The more we tolerate them, the more they will escalate their demands. When will this end?"

He turned and left.

The constables were waiting in the shop when they saw Zhu Chuanzong emerge from the backyard, assuming he was there to deliver money.

However, Zhu Chuanzong glanced at them and said, "Since it's a donation, it's voluntary. I have no money, you can leave."

Seeing that Zhu Chuanzong refused to give money, the constables' expressions changed immediately. One said, "No, this is a regulation from the imperial court. If you don't pay, we'll shut down your shop!"

Zhu Chuanzong said, "I doubt the imperial court has such a law."

The constables thought to themselves, "This place is so remote, what laws would a commoner like you know? We'll just say whatever we want."

They immediately said in unison, "Of course there are! They're all clearly written down. Do you, a commoner, know more than us officials?"

Zhu Chuanzong, having once been a minister of law enforcement, was well-versed in the law; he certainly knew more than them. He sneered twice more and said, "I knew there was no such thing as disaster relief taxation in the laws of Liang. If you try to extort money again, we'll go to the yamen and have the magistrate investigate."

The yamen runners were used to being arrogant and had never seen a commoner dare to talk back to them. They jumped up in anger and cursed, "You unruly commoner, daring to resist taxes, it's truly hateful. I think you don't want to do business anymore."

They all thought to themselves, "When we get to the magistrate, he'll believe whatever we say. Do you think he'll help you, a commoner? This time, you won't get out until you pay up!"

Yue Keren was frantic and pulled Zhu Chuanzong, saying, "Husband, we'll pay, what if you get ripped off at the yamen?"

Zhu Chuanzong couldn't care less about anything else at this point and comforted Yue Keren, saying, "Don't be afraid, wife. The yamen is always a place of reason. Do you think they'll dare to distort the truth?"

He sneered at the yamen runners and said, "I want to see how you can find a clause in the criminal law to punish me for refusing to donate! I'll go to your magistrate and see if he condones you."

The constables all said, "Fine, you ungrateful brat, come with us if you dare!"

They cursed and swore as they escorted Zhu Chuanzong to the county yamen, but instead of heading to the main hall, they went straight to the prison. Zhu Chuanzong shouted, "What are you doing? I want to see the magistrate!"

The constables retorted, "Do you think you can see the magistrate?"

Zhu Chuanzong refused to yield and shouted

even louder. The commotion alerted the magistrate. The magistrate, a man in his fifties, heard the noise and came out with two constables. Upon seeing Zhu Chuanzong, his expression changed instantly, and he waved for everyone to leave.

The magistrate led Zhu Chuanzong into the inner hall, and when no one else was present, the magistrate suddenly prostrated himself, saying, "Lord Zhu, it's so good to see you again!" Zhu Chuanzong

was startled, but realizing the magistrate meant no harm, he calmed down. Seeing that the magistrate looked somewhat familiar but he couldn't quite place him, he asked in confusion, "Who are you?"

The magistrate replied, "Lord Zhu, don't you remember me? I'm Lan He."

Zhu Chuanzong suddenly realized, "So it's you!"

05-15
Chapter Five: Forced to Rebel

Zhu Chuanzong was arrested and brought to the yamen, his fate uncertain. However, the magistrate treated him with utmost respect and courtesy. Zhu Chuanzong scrutinized him for a long time before realizing that this magistrate was one of his former subordinates.

The story of how the two met was quite interesting. Two years ago, during the Lantern Festival, Zhu Chuanzong went to the Censorate's yamen to retrieve something. All the officials and yamen runners had gone home for the festival, leaving the yamen deserted. However, a light shone from one room. Curious, Zhu Chuanzong pushed open the door and went inside.

There, a low-ranking official was sitting and drinking. This low-ranking official had no official rank whatsoever and was incomparable to Zhu Chuanzong, a high-ranking Censor-in-Chief, who couldn't even get a glimpse of him. However, seeing Zhu Chuanzong's elegant attire, he assumed he was an official inspecting various departments and quickly rose to invite him to sit and drink.

Zhu Chuanzong, finding Lan He's demeanor quite refined, gladly accepted. The two chatted for a while, finding themselves quite compatible.

Zhu Chuanzong asked curiously, "Now that it's a holiday, everyone should be home enjoying themselves. Why are you still here?"

Lan He replied, "There's a lot of official business in the government. If everyone only thinks about their own convenience, what if an emergency comes up and they're delayed? Who will take responsibility then?"

Zhu Chuanzong was deeply impressed, thinking Lan He was a loyal and dedicated man, and thus considered promoting him. So Zhu Chuanzong asked, "What good future is there in being a servant?"

Lan He thought for a moment and said, "If I can be selected as a minor official after my term is over, I'll be satisfied."

Zhu Chuanzong thought to himself that everyone wants to be a high-ranking official, but this man wants to be a minor one, which made him even more curious. He asked, "What's the fun in being a minor official with little power?"

Lan He smiled and said, "If you're lucky enough to be selected as the head of the Guangdong River and Lake Management Office, that would be a great pleasure!"

Zhu Chuanzong was puzzled: "Why do you call it a great pleasure?"

Lan He said, "That river and lake management office is near the sea, and there are many boats coming and going, so there's plenty of supplies."

Zhu Chuanzong nodded repeatedly after hearing this, drank a few more cups, and then took his leave.

After returning home, Zhu Chuanzong reflected on Lan He's words and realized that this man had no ambition. He just wanted to find a small, lucrative position that was easy, didn't require him to embezzle or break the law, and allowed him to live comfortably—much better than many hypocritical people. Zhu Chuanzong appreciated his sincerity and sent someone to the Ministry of Personnel to inform Lan He that he had been appointed as an official in a river and lake administration office in Nanhai Province. This

position was even lower than the ninth rank, an extremely insignificant post, and Zhu Chuanzong naturally finalized it with a single word. When the news reached the yamen, his colleagues were all envious, and Lan He was overjoyed. Later, he inquired and learned that the person who had drunk with him on the night of the Lantern Festival and spoken up for his promotion was none other than the renowned upright official, Zhu Chuanzong.

Before taking office, Lan He went to the Zhu family to express his gratitude. Zhu Chuanzong encouraged him and gave him some travel expenses, for which Lan He was even more deeply grateful. After that, he went to Nanhai Province to take up his post and there was no further news of him.

Now, seeing his old friend again, they were both filled with emotion. When asked about his circumstances, it turned out that Lan He had performed exceptionally well in his position at the river and lake administration office and had been promoted to magistrate of Suiping County the previous year.

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Lord Lan, I am currently a criminal. If you capture me and hand me over, you will have performed a great service."

Lan He hurriedly replied, "You have shown me great kindness, how could I be such an ungrateful person? Besides, you should know that I have never been interested in power; I am already satisfied with being a county magistrate. Please don't tease me."

Zhu Chuanzong knew his character and was relieved. Lan He ordered a feast to be prepared to calm Zhu Chuanzong's nerves. Lan He spoke of the affairs of the court. Now that Zhu Chuanzong was no longer there to resist, Pang Laixiao was tyrannical and domineering, controlling everything. The most outrageous thing was that he had even levied a "manure tax" on boats and vehicles transporting manure between towns and villages. The people had even made up a proverb saying, "Never before in history has manure been taxed; now only farts are exempt from taxation!"

Speaking of this, the two couldn't help but sigh.

Lan He originally intended to let Zhu Chuanzong stay in the yamen from then on. Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "There are too many people and too many eyes in the yamen. If I'm discovered, it will implicate you."

Lan He knew he was right, so he let it go.

Finally, he summoned all the yamen runners to the court and gave them a severe scolding. He said, "This boss is an old friend of mine. If you cause him any more trouble, I'll skin you alive!"

The runners knew they had bitten off more than they could chew; they were all terrified and turned pale. They all rushed forward to apologize to Zhu Chuanzong, vying to return the money they had previously extorted. Zhu Chuanzong knew they were only doing this because they were afraid of Lan He. He felt no sense of triumph, but rather even more furious. He bid farewell to Lan He and returned to his inn. Yue Keren was just about to raise money to ransom him from the yamen when she saw him return safely, and she was relieved.

Zhu Chuanzong was a proud and arrogant man. He was very unhappy that he had escaped danger thanks to someone else's help, and he had no desire to do business anymore. He put up a "Closed for Business" sign at his inn and sat at home, thinking it over and over, feeling extremely resentful.

Zhu Chuanzong thought about how he used to be a powerful and influential man, but now he was hiding in this poor and remote place, being bullied by officials and schemed against by local thugs. He was living a very pathetic life. Although he had a beautiful wife and concubines at home, he could not go home. He was just wasting his days. Moreover, the world was so dark and the people were suffering so much. Why couldn't he fight back and make a comeback?

Zhu Chuanzong slammed his fist on the table and shouted, "I can't take it anymore! A real man should die a worthy death!"

Just then, someone pushed open the door and entered, clapping and laughing, "Well said! Well said!"

Zhu Chuanzong's expression changed at first, but when he saw the person's face clearly, he was overjoyed and said, "Mr. Wu? You...you've come!"

Wu Siyuan said, "I've come to give you a brilliant plan. What, aren't you welcome?"

Zhu Chuanzong welcomed Wu Siyuan into the house, and Yue Keren also came over to greet him. Wu Siyuan smiled and said, "Lord Zhu, you're enjoying the company of your beautiful wife and seem to have forgotten all your troubles. It looks like you're going to settle down and live a peaceful life as a farmer." Zhu Chuanzong

smiled bitterly and said, "Mr. Wu, please don't laugh at me. In this world, wolves and jackals are in power, and ugliness runs rampant. Even if I wanted to live a peaceful life as a farmer, it would be impossible."

Wu Siyuan said, "Oh?"

Zhu Chuanzong then recounted what had happened at the hotel recently and some of his observations over the past few days. After speaking, he sighed and said, "The people are struggling to make a living. Not only can I not save them from their suffering, but now I can barely protect myself. What can I do but lament my powerlessness?"

Wu Siyuan said, "But before I entered, I heard you speak angrily, as if you intended to make a comeback and serve the people. I wonder if I misheard?"

Zhu Chuanzong said, "I do want to make a comeback, but the court is now under Pang Laixiao's control. I have no official position or power; how can I fight him?"

At this moment, he thought of his family whom he hadn't heard from in a long time and asked anxiously, "Sir, did you come from the capital? I wonder how my family is doing now? Are they alright...?"

Wu Siyuan said, "Pang Laixiao only hates you, and with the Emperor's best efforts to protect you, the entire Zhu family was exiled to Lingnan, so they haven't suffered any persecution. However, your son is in danger."

Zhu Chuanzong was taken aback and said, "My son?"

Wu Siyuan said, "That's right. Consort Mei gave birth to a son in the Cold Palace, and he's been pregnant for several months. Pang Laixiao knows that it's your bloodline, and he hates Consort Mei for helping you oppose him. He's always looking for an opportunity to deal with them, and it was only thanks to the Emperor's efforts that their lives were saved. However, Pang Laixiao sees that the Emperor is not under his control and is already planning to get rid of him. Now that the Emperor is preoccupied with his own problems, their lives are even more difficult. Consort Mei must be hoping for you now!"

As the saying goes, father and son are naturally close, and that's certainly true. When Zhu Chuanzong heard that Consort Mei had given birth to his son, he was overjoyed. Upon hearing of his wife and children's plight, he was immediately filled with anxiety and wanted to rush to the capital.

Wu Siyuan quickly stopped him, saying, "Sir, you mustn't be rash. The capital is full of Pang Laixiao's henchmen. Not only is rescuing them extremely difficult, but even if you were, where would you find refuge? Are you destined to live a life of hiding and running?"

Zhu Chuanzong, initially confused by his concern, calmed down after Wu Siyuan's persuasion.

Seeing Wu Siyuan stroking his beard with composure, he had a sudden thought and said, "Sir, you are resourceful and wise; you must have already devised a plan."

Wu Siyuan didn't answer, but cautiously glanced towards the door. Yue Keren knew they were about to discuss something important, so she said, "I'll go close the shop door and keep an eye on things for you."

She got up and left.

Zhu Chuanzong urged, "Now are you relieved, sir? Tell me your plan quickly."

Wu Siyuan laughed and took out a silk scroll from his robes, saying, "Please take a look, sir."

Zhu Chuanzong took it and opened it. He saw that it read: "I have heard that among human relationships, the relationship between father and son comes first; among the distinctions of rank, the relationship between ruler and subject is paramount. Recently, the traitor Pang has seized power, oppressing the emperor and father; he has formed cliques and corrupted the court; he has not been in control of rewards and punishments. I am worried day and night, fearing that the world is in danger. You are a minister of the country. You should remember the hardships of Emperor Gaozu in establishing the dynasty, gather loyal and righteous martyrs, annihilate the traitorous clique, and restore peace to the country. Our ancestors will be fortunate! I have written this edict with my finger dipped in blood and entrust it to you. Please be careful and do not fail my expectations!"

It was all written with his finger dipped in blood, and the emperor's jade seal was neatly affixed to the back.

Zhu Chuanzong was taken aback. He examined it carefully several times before staring at Wu Siyuan and asking, "Mr. Wu, what is this?"

Wu Siyuan smiled slightly and said, "This is a secret edict handwritten by the current emperor, specially ordered by him to be delivered to you, sir. With this imperial edict in hand, you can now fully utilize your abilities."

It turned out that since Zhu Chuanzong's disguised escape and the Zhu family's demotion from the capital, the court had become the domain of the Pang Laixiao family. Tang Zhi had little power to begin with; although he was emperor, he was merely a figurehead, with Pang Laixiao controlling all affairs of state.

Tang Zhi was a man of some talent and ambition, unwilling to be a puppet emperor. He secretly supported several ministers loyal to the emperor, wanting to contend for power with Pang Laixiao. However, although Pang Laixiao was a treacherous minister, his methods of wielding power were extremely shrewd. After several clashes, those ministers were all arrested on fabricated charges by Pang Laixiao, leaving Tang Zhi even more isolated and powerless. His

arrogance alone was one thing. Recently, Pang Laixiao has become increasingly domineering, bringing a sword to the palace and refusing to kneel before the emperor, showing a clear intention to usurp the throne and become emperor himself. When Tang Zhi was at his wit's end, he thought of Zhu Chuanzong. He knew Wu Siyuan was Zhu Chuanzong's man and must have connections with him, so he found a way to summon him to the palace and wrote this secret edict, requesting Zhu Chuanzong to return to officialdom to deal with Pang Laixiao.

Zhu Chuanzong thought of how much Tang Zhi had helped him in the past, their friendship as commoners, and how Tang Zhi had later saved his life; both morally and logically, he couldn't stand idly by. However, according to Wu Siyuan, Pang Laixiao now held absolute power, and even the emperor's words no longer mattered; how much effect could this secret edict possibly have? Therefore, he lowered his head and hesitated, undecided.

Wu Siyuan saw through his thoughts and smiled, "Although Pang Laixiao is powerful, you, sir, are no less so! As the saying goes, those who act justly gain much support, while those who act unjustly find little. Your reputation among the people is excellent, and you have the support of the people; you still have great potential. The loyal ministers in the court are also eagerly awaiting your arrival, not to mention you have a powerful ally outside the capital."

Zhu Chuanzong hurriedly asked, "What powerful ally?"

Wu Siyuan took a sip of tea and said, word by word, "General Wang Dingkun."

Zhu Chuanzong's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands and laughed, "Brother Wang? How could I forget him! How is he doing these days?"

Wu Siyuan said, "He is now the Grand General of Weiyuan, commanding an army of 100,000, holding a high position and great power. If we can persuade him to help, great things can be accomplished..." "Alright."

Zhu Chuanzong nodded repeatedly, but then a thought occurred to him, and he frowned, saying, "If I rebel outside, what if Pang Laixiao takes his anger out on Consort Mei and her son? I must rescue them first. But what about contacting Brother Wang..."

Wu Siyuan said, "Sir, you should go to the capital to rescue them. I'll handle the persuasion of General Wang."

Zhu Chuanzong hesitated, "Raising an army is like rebelling; it could lead to execution. Even I, who have a life-and-death bond with Brother Wang, might not be able to persuade him. It won't be easy for you, sir!"

Wu Siyuan stroked his beard and smiled confidently, "I have a brilliant plan!"

The two had made their plans and had Yue Keren close the inn and wait for news at home. Wu Siyuan went to the border, while Zhu Chuanzong headed to the capital. They set off separately.

General Wang Dingkun of Weiyuan had been restless these past few days. He and Zhu Chuanzong, a criminal wanted by the court, were sworn brothers, and their relationship was extraordinary. Since Zhu Chuanzong's incident, Wang Dingkun's official rank had risen instead of fallen, now from a first-rank general to a border marshal, commanding an army of 100,000. Although a military officer, he was also shrewd, repeatedly pondering Pang Laixiao's intentions, utterly perplexed.

Suddenly, someone reported that an old acquaintance had come to see him. Surprised, Wang Dingkun ordered him to be invited.

Upon seeing the visitor, Wang Dingkun's expression changed. He stood up and said, "Tie him up!"

The visitor was none other than Wu Siyuan. He was bound by the arms of the soldiers around him, yet he showed no panic, standing tall with a smile.

Wang Dingkun said sternly, "You audacious traitor! Clearly a accomplice of the Zhu family, you dare to impersonate my old acquaintance! Tomorrow I will send men to escort you to the capital!" He

then deliberately glared fiercely at Wu Siyuan.

Wu Siyuan suddenly burst into laughter.

Wang Dingkun shouted, "You're about to die, what are you laughing at?"

Wu Siyuan retorted loudly, "I'm laughing because the General is facing imminent disaster and doesn't even realize it!"

These words struck a chord with Wang Dingkun. His friendship with Zhu Chuanzong was common knowledge, and he himself didn't believe Pang Laixiao wasn't jealous of him. Therefore, the more the court promoted him, the more worried he became, not knowing when he would be punished. He thought for a moment and said, "You may all leave. I want to interrogate this man personally."

After his men had all left, Wang Dingkun hurriedly stepped forward, untied Wu Siyuan's ropes, and bowed, saying, "Mr. Wu, I'm forced by circumstances; please forgive my rudeness!"

It turned out that Wang Dingkun had met Wu Siyuan when he associated with Zhu Chuanzong in the capital. He knew Wu Siyuan was a learned man, practically a mentor to Zhu Chuanzong, and therefore held him in high esteem. However, now that Zhu Chuanzong was a wanted criminal, and everyone associated with him was being persecuted by Pang Laixiao, Wang Dingkun dared not be careless.

Therefore, his initial sharp and stern demeanor was both a show for outsiders and a test of Wu Siyuan's intentions. Wu Siyuan, of course, understood his intentions, smiled slightly, and showed no displeasure. After

exchanging a few pleasantries, Wang Dingkun cautiously probed, "Mr. Wu, you have traveled a great distance to the border; what can I do for you?"

Wu Siyuan said, "That's exactly what I was saying. General, you're in deep trouble, so I've come to your rescue."

Wang Dingkun smiled calmly, "Sir, you're joking. I'm currently enjoying great success and prosperity; what trouble could I possibly be facing?"

Wu Siyuan gave him a knowing look and smiled, "General, are you truly enlightened or just pretending? Your relationship with my master, Lord Zhu, goes without saying. Lord Zhu and Pang Laixiao are mortal enemies. Now that Pang Laixiao holds power in the court, anyone even remotely connected to the Zhu family is doomed. Do you still dream of remaining unscathed?"

Wang Dingkun stubbornly replied, "Although Zhu Chuanzong and I are brothers, his crimes have absolutely nothing to do with me."

Wu Siyuan chuckled, "It's no use telling me this, General. Do you think Pang Laixiao would believe such things?"

Wang Dingkun was momentarily speechless. Wu Siyuan knew that Wang Dingkun's resolve had wavered, and pressed his advantage, saying, "Pang Laixiao has already begun to deal with you, General. If you don't realize it soon, it will be too late to regret it."

Wang Dingkun was taken aback, "I've been getting promoted recently, how could he possibly target me?"

Wu Siyuan laughed, "When it comes to leading troops in battle, General, you are invincible; but when it comes to political maneuvering, you are far from being a match for Pang Laixiao. You've already been promoted three times in a day, and you're already a First-Rank General of the Vanguard. The next promotion will be to be transferred to the capital, granted a title, and appointed to a high-ranking position. At that time, you will have no military power, and when you're in Pang Laixiao's territory, he can do whatever he wants with you, whether he wants to kill or torture you."

Wang Dingkun suddenly realized the truth, and broke out in a cold sweat, cursing Pang Laixiao's ruthlessness and cunning in his heart. However, he still couldn't bring himself to immediately turn against Pang Laixiao.

Wu Siyuan continued, "My master is currently seeking to unite righteous men to eliminate the traitor Pang and restore order to the court. If the General could send troops to assist, it would surely be a monumental achievement, ensuring your place in history."

Wang Dingkun was already convinced that Pang Laixiao intended to harm him, but upon hearing that Zhu Chuanzong was planning a rebellion, he became suspicious. He thought, "Is Wu Siyuan just trying to scare me into raising an army? Although I have 100,000 troops, the Great Liang Kingdom has over a million soldiers. With my small force, wouldn't I be throwing eggs against a rock?"

Thinking this, he said apologetically, "Mr. Wu, it's not that I'm unwilling to help my brother, but what he's doing is treasonous. His actions are illegitimate and lack legitimacy. Although we have a deep friendship, I cannot accompany him in this rebellion."

Wu Siyuan's eyes darted around, and he suddenly slapped his forehead, feigning regret, "I'm truly sorry, General. Before I came, I instructed my men to spread the news, saying that the General..." " I've already decided to join Lord Zhu in punishing the traitor Pang. I reckon this news will reach Pang Laixiao's ears in a few days."

Wang Dingkun's face turned pale and then red, speechless for a long time. Finally, he pointed at Wu Siyuan and said, "Mr. Wu, you're too ruthless! Aren't you forcing me?"

Wu Siyuan laughed loudly, "I'm giving the general credit; you'll be grateful to me later."

He then pulled out the secret edict, saying, "Lord Zhu's uprising is also justified. The Emperor's decree is here; won't followers flock to him? General, don't hesitate any longer, make your decision now!"

Wang Dingkun read the edict and finally felt a little more at ease. He knew he had no way out. Even if he didn't join, with Wu Siyuan spreading these rumors, Pang Laixiao wouldn't let him off the hook. Rather than waiting to die, he might as well fight!

Thinking this, Wang Dingkun gritted his teeth, drew his sword, and cleaved the wooden table in two with a single stroke, snarling, "Damn it, I'll rebel then!"

Having made up his mind, Wang Dingkun didn't hesitate any longer and immediately began making arrangements, first consulting with his trusted generals Sun Hu and Zhou Yi.

After hearing the story, Sun Hu laughed loudly, "Damn it, I've long disliked that old traitor Pang Laixiao. Now that he's messed with us, we'll march to the capital and chop off his head to use as a chamber pot!"

Zhou Yi hesitated slightly, but then immediately said, "We'll all listen to our elder brother."

After the three agreed, they began stockpiling grain and training soldiers, replacing all the officers with their trusted confidants, firmly controlling the 100,000-strong army. They were just waiting for Zhu Chuanzong to return from the capital so they could launch a rebellion and march on the capital.

Chapter Six: Returning to the Capital to Rescue

Zhu Chuanzong, disguised as a fat man, sneaked back to the capital and went directly to the villa where Xue Jinxian lived. After Zhu Chuanzong's incident, the entire Zhu family was banished from the capital. Xue Jinxian, Tang Zhi's sworn sister, had followed Wu Siyuan's plan to feign severing ties with Zhu Chuanzong. Being from an outside family, she posed no threat and thus escaped punishment, remaining in the capital. Pang Laixiao, seeing her as a weak woman, paid her no heed.

Zhu Chuanzong, avoiding eyewitnesses on the street, quietly scaled the wall and entered the house. Xue Jinxian was sitting in the courtyard reading. She leaned against a rattan chair, her shapely figure captivating. Although engrossed in the book, she seemed somewhat distracted, occasionally letting out a sigh, her face showing signs of weariness.

Zhu Chuanzong dispelled his internal energy, reverting to his original form. He appeared behind Xue Jinxian and suddenly embraced her, exclaiming, "My wife, your husband has come to keep you company!"

Xue Jinxian was startled and was about to resist and cry for help when she recognized the voice. Turning around, she saw her long-awaited husband had returned. Overwhelmed with surprise and joy, her body went limp.

Zhu Chuanzong had been separated from her for over a year and missed her every day. Now, holding her in his arms, he felt her softness like cotton, her fragrance intoxicating. He couldn't resist any longer and swept her up, carrying her to the inner room.

Xue Jinxian blushed deeply and whispered, "Husband, why did you come back so quickly? Things are very tense now..."

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "What's there to be afraid of? A clear conscience fears no accusation. I've come to rid the world of evil."

Once inside the room and the door closed, Zhu Chuanzong became increasingly aroused. Xue Jinxian, having been deprived of intimacy for so long, recalled their past intimate moments, and her body instantly warmed. Suppressing her desire, she said, "Since you're back, my lord, a little longer won't hurt. Let's talk about what happened before..."

Zhu Chuanzong saw her dignified and beautiful face flushed with a seductive blush. She clearly wanted it but was trying to stall for time, her expression so delicate and adorable. He was irresistibly moved. He took her lips in his mouth, capturing her smooth, sweet tongue and savoring it. He then slipped his hand inside her clothing, caressing her gently.

Xue Jinxian, weak and powerless, leaned into his arms. Her beautiful eyes darted around, and she saw the handsome and elegant man before her, his extraordinary appearance. It was the man she had dreamt of countless times—her lover had truly returned. She was captivated, murmuring, "My lord, you've finally returned. I haven't received your favor for so long; please cherish me."

Her voice was soft and sweet, her breath coming in gasps.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Chuanzong's lust intensified. Taking advantage of the situation, he pushed Xue Jinxian down. Xue Jinxian was soft and boneless, allowing him to do as he pleased. Zhu Chuanzong eagerly unbuttoned her embroidered clothes, revealing a pair of soft, pink breasts, like mounds of flesh, with tiny, adorable scarlet nipples.

Zhu Chuanzong kissed them deeply, while simultaneously reaching down to touch her genitals. There, her skin was smooth and full, with a few delicate hairs, only an inch long. He tried to insert a finger, but it was difficult to go in.

In his pleasure, Zhu Chuanzong removed his clothes and climbed onto Xue Jinxian's fair belly. His penis was already hard and swollen. He quickly pushed Xue Jinxian's legs high, aimed at her vulva, and thrust hard. However, her vagina was very tight, and he could only penetrate a little. Xue Jinxian cried out from below, feeling a burning sensation and intense tension inside her vagina. She could only frown and endure Zhu Chuanzong's actions.

Zhu Chuanzong knew that she had not been intimate for a long time, hence her virginity, and his heart ached even more. However, he was burning with impatience, so he disregarded the heat and worked for a while before finally reaching the very root of the object. He immediately felt his body throbbing with desire, his soul trembling. With a little grinding, he tightened the vagina, slowly thrusting in and out, enjoying the pleasure immensely.

Xue Jinxian also felt great joy at this moment, her passion aroused, and her juices flowed freely. She felt even more refreshed than before, letting Zhu Chuanzong thrust in and out with all his might. Zhu Chuanzong was even more delighted, feeling the vaginal opening widen, and he thrust wildly like rain pounding on banana leaves.

Xue Jinxian felt even more pleasure, her hips swaying incessantly, her hands tightly wrapped around Zhu Chuanzong's neck. Before she knew it, she had been thrust into over a thousand times, her eyes hazy, her body weak and numb, moaning incessantly at the crucial moment. Each thrust from Zhu Chuanzong struck her core, causing Xue Jinxian unbearable itching and numbness, overflowing with sounds, receiving

the rain of desire, experiencing boundless joy. After a while, their passion subsided, and they cleaned themselves up. Zhu Chuanzong saw that Xue Jinxian's face was still flushed, incredibly beautiful, especially her tender expression after their lovemaking, which was intoxicating. He couldn't resist pulling her into his arms again and leaning in to kiss her.

Xue Jinxian blushed and scolded, "I worried about you every night, and you don't cherish me at all? Don't even think about getting into my bed tonight!"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "Just now, I don't know who was shouting 'Good husband, use more force,' and now they're complaining about me."

Xue Jinxian cried out in shame, and Zhu Chuanzong was about to beg for mercy when he saw a hint of resentment gradually appear on her face, and her eyes reddening. Knowing that Xue Jinxian had suffered because of him and was worried about him, he felt great pity for him and quickly comforted him.

Xue Jinxian said, "After you escaped from the capital, I saw arrest warrants posted everywhere. I was terrified that you wouldn't escape Pang Laixiao's clutches. I was so worried. Later, Mr. Wu told me that he had already arranged a way out for you, which put my mind at ease. How have you been doing this past year?"

Zhu Chuanzong recounted his life in hiding with Yue Keren after their escape. Hearing about the hardships Zhu Chuanzong had endured, Xue Jinxian felt a pang of sorrow.

Zhu Chuanzong, not wanting her to be sad, quickly asked, "You were right when you worried I would suffer a great calamity and refused to marry into my family. After I left, did Pang Laixiao make things difficult for you? How are Consort Mei and the princess doing in the palace?"

Xue Jinxian replied, "The Emperor has always been very protective of us, and no one has caused us any trouble. However, I heard that recently Pang Laixiao has been harassing the princess, wanting to marry her. The Emperor has gradually lost power and can't stop him. We were very worried, thankfully you came back."

Zhu Chuanzong was furious upon hearing this and cursed, "That old scoundrel Pang Laixiao, doesn't he even look in the mirror? He's as fat as a pig, yet he dares to set his sights on the princess! How shameless!"

Xue Jinxian couldn't help but chuckle. Her eyes, still wet with tears, softened with her smile, making her look like a pear blossom in the rain, charming and captivating. Zhu Chuanzong stared in disbelief and asked, "What are you laughing at, my wife?"

Xue Jinxian said, "I heard you used to be a big fat man, and you had so many beauties with you, but you never seemed embarrassed!"

Zhu Chuanzong, wanting to amuse his wife, deliberately puffed out his chest and said, "How can I be the same? I'm skilled in both literature and martial arts, a peerless hero, that can't be hidden by my appearance!"

Xue Jinxian laughed heartily and said, "Yes, great hero! Then may I ask how you plan to rescue my two sisters?"

Zhu Chuanzong said, "I need to find a way to sneak into the palace first, and then we'll see how things go."

Xue Jinxian thought for a moment and said, "A few days ago, the Empress asked me to embroider some clothes for her, which need to be sent to the palace. Why don't you pretend to be a worker delivering the clothes for me? That way, it won't easily arouse Pang Laixiao's suspicion."

Zhu Chuanzong nodded in agreement. The two planned for half a day, and that night they made love all night to ease their longing for each other, needless to say.

The next day, Zhu Chuanzong, disguised as a worker delivering clothes, went to the palace. Seeing that he was on a mission for the Empress, the guards dared not make things difficult. They announced his arrival, and a eunuch from the clothing workshop came out and led Zhu Chuanzong inside.

The eunuch led Zhu Chuanzong to a courtyard, telling him to collect his wages while he delivered the clothes to the Empress's palace. Zhu Chuanzong obsequiously agreed, and once the eunuch was out of sight, he immediately took a side path and headed towards the back.

Although Zhu Chuanzong had frequently visited the palace before, he had only ever been to the residences of Consort Mei and the Purple Silk Fairy, and always had someone guide him. The palace grounds covered hundreds of acres, with countless palaces and buildings; after walking for a while, he found himself lost.

Zhu Chuanzong grew increasingly anxious, preoccupied with looking around frantically, not even noticing a group of guards approaching in the distance. Seeing a man dressed as a commoner wandering aimlessly through the palace, the guards quickly surrounded Zhu Chuanzong and demanded, "Who are you?"

Startled, Zhu Chuanzong quickly replied, "I was ordered to deliver clothes to the palace, but I got lost."

The lead guard sized Zhu Chuanzong up, his expression suddenly changing. "You look like a thief! Guards, arrest him!"

The guards swarmed forward, ignoring Zhu Chuanzong's explanations, and bound him, throwing him into a cell.

Although Zhu Chuanzong possessed martial arts skills, he dared not resist. He could only curse his misfortune, thinking that if his identity were exposed, not only would he be unable to save anyone, but Xue Jinxian outside the palace would also be implicated. He felt both anxious and angry.

After a while, the head guard who had ordered his arrest entered alone, shouting, "Did you come to the palace to steal something? Confess now!"

Before Zhu Chuanzong could answer, the man whispered, "Lord Zhu, please be quiet. Do you still recognize me?"

Zhu Chuanzong was slightly surprised, looked him over carefully, and said, "Are you Liu Tong?"

It turned out that this man was the trusted guard of Tang Zhi who had disguised Zhu Chuanzong as a monk and sent him out of the capital on Tang Zhi's orders.

Liu Tong nodded and shouted, "Still not admitting it? I'll lock you up for a few days and see if you confess!"

Then he whispered, "There were Pang Laixiao's spies around earlier. I was afraid you would be recognized, so I had to arrest you first to protect you. I'll come to rescue you tonight."

After saying this, he shouted a few more times and left with a furious expression.

Zhu Chuanzong was relieved, but even more shocked. He hadn't expected Pang Laixiao's power to be so great, even controlling the palace. He became even more worried about the court.

Around midnight, the prison door creaked a few times before being gently pushed open, and a man entered. Zhu Chuanzong assumed it was Liu Tong coming to rescue him, but upon looking up, he saw an unfamiliar middle-aged eunuch and was taken aback.

The eunuch whispered, "Lord Zhu, please come with me. Take advantage of the absence of others and escape quickly!"

Zhu Chuanzong, thinking he was sent by Lord Liu, followed him and quietly left the prison. However, just as they reached the door, a gleaming blade flashed, and a man shouted, "Leave Lord Zhu here!"

The eunuch was terrified and collapsed to the ground. By the moonlight, Zhu Chuanzong recognized him as Liu Tong and quickly said, "Liu Tong, don't hurt him! He's one of us."

Liu Tong then stopped. Zhu Chuanzong spoke to him for a few moments, and the two looked at the eunuch.

The eunuch then got up and explained the situation. It turned out that this man had a younger brother who was a merchant in the capital. A few years ago, he had offended an official and was facing legal trouble. The case happened to be presided over by Zhu Chuanzong, who upheld justice and exonerated his brother. Therefore, the family regarded Zhu Chuanzong as their great benefactor.

This eunuch was currently on duty, guarding the palace prison. He had seen Zhu Chuanzong enter the palace before, and recognizing him upon seeing him arrested, he secretly came to release Zhu Chuanzong in the middle of the night.

Liu Tong was amazed, marveling at Zhu Chuanzong's good deeds. Zhu Chuanzong thanked the eunuch and let him go.

After they reached a safe place, Liu Tong said, "Lord Zhu, you are now of noble birth, bearing the hopes of the court. The Emperor hopes day and night that you will raise an army to overthrow Pang Laixiao and restore the imperial dignity. How could you be so reckless as to risk your life in the palace?"

Zhu Chuanzong didn't hide anything and told him about Consort Mei and the princess. Liu Tong was Tang Zhi's confidant and knew these royal secrets, so he wasn't surprised. After thinking for a moment, he said, "There aren't many guards left in the palace who are loyal to the Emperor. They are all under my command, but they are all being monitored by Pang Laixiao's men. Right now, we really can't take care of Consort Mei and Princess Chang Le's safety. However, after you rescue them, you must raise an army to rescue the Emperor as soon as possible. The Emperor's position is currently very precarious, and Pang Laixiao could usurp the throne at any time."

As he spoke, he sent several loyal subordinates to Consort Mei and Princess Chang Le's residences to secretly bring them over.

Hearing of Tang Zhi's precarious situation, Zhu Chuanzong, unsure of his condition, wanted to discuss dealing with Pang Laixiao. He asked, "Liu Tong, could you arrange for me to see the Emperor?"

Liu Tong hesitated, "The Emperor is surrounded by Pang Laixiao's cronies; he's not free to move. It would be difficult for him to see you alone."

It was already past midnight, and Liu Tong hesitated before saying, "The Emperor is about to attend the morning court session. Why don't you come with me to the palace gate and wait there, so you can catch a glimpse from afar?"

The two quietly went to the palace gate, and soon saw Tang Zhi riding in his imperial carriage, surrounded by a group of guards and eunuchs, emerging from the inner palace. At the palace gate, Tang Zhi glanced around and cursed, "You bunch of slaves! Isn't bothering me enough in the inner palace? I'm going to court now, all of you get out of my way!"

Several eunuchs responded verbally but followed closely behind. Tang Zhi sighed and stormed off.

Liu Tong said, "Lord Zhu, look, those are all people sent by Pang Laixiao to monitor the Emperor. Now they don't even obey the Emperor's decrees."

Zhu Chuanzong looked from afar and saw that Tang Zhi seemed to have aged more than ten years compared to a year ago. His former high spirits were gone, and he couldn't help but feel sorry for him, sighing inwardly.

The two had no chance to talk to Tang Zhi, so they quietly returned to the inner palace. At this time, the guards had already brought Consort Mei and the princess over. Consort Mei was wearing a light blue floral pleated skirt and a bright red cotton cloak, holding a swaddled baby in her arms; Princess Chang Le was wearing a snow-white cotton gauze skirt. Although both of them were somewhat thin, they could not hide their unparalleled beauty, and Consort Mei had a mature charm on her face.

When they saw Zhu Chuanzong, they couldn't help but shed tears. Zhu Chuanzong looked into the swaddled baby and saw a small infant sleeping soundly inside, with the baby hair still in place, a pink and round face, very delicate and cute. He knew that this was the child Consort Mei had given birth to for him, and his heart was filled with excitement. However, he couldn't show it on his face, only staring intently, reluctant to leave.

Liu Tong said, "Time is of the essence, Lord Zhu, please set off from the capital immediately."

He had already ordered a carriage to be prepared, and Zhu Chuanzong and his companions boarded the carriage and secretly left through the back gate of the palace.

On the other hand, Xue Jinxian had also made preparations and was waiting at home, while Xue Hongju had already left the capital the day before. Zhu Chuanzong also picked up Xue Jinxian and put him on a carriage, heading towards the north gate of the capital.

Not far along, a sudden commotion broke out in the street, with shouts and neighing horses, and countless soldiers swarmed out. Zhu Chuanzong was startled and quickly spurred his horse to the city gate, where he saw a man leading soldiers guarding the gate tower, blocking the way.

Upon reaching him, a soldier came up and questioned him. Zhu Chuanzong, devising a plan, shouted, "Blind fools! We are palace guards on an imperial mission. If we delay important matters, can you afford to apologize? Get out of the way!"

Their carriage bore the palace insignia, and the soldiers were indeed frightened, daring not to approach. The officer in charge stepped forward, saw Zhu Chuanzong, and suddenly smiled.

Zhu Chuanzong was shocked and speechless. Who was this officer? It was none other than Zhao Shusheng, one of Zhu Chuanzong's former drinking buddies!

After the Zhu family's downfall, most of the officials who had been on good terms with them were implicated, their homes confiscated, or they dismissed from their posts. Zhao Shusheng's father, Zhao Xianjin, the Minister of Rites, however, was quick-witted and had ingratiated himself with Pang Laixiao, joining Pang's faction. The Zhao family was thus spared. Under his father's arrangement, Zhao Shusheng became a general in the city guard, and today he was stationed at the north gate.

Zhu Chuanzong was filled with trepidation, wondering if his former friend would use him to gain wealth and power.

Zhao Shusheng chuckled a few times and said, "Isn't this Guard Wu from the palace? Since you have important business to attend to, let him pass!"

He winked at Zhu Chuanzong with a smile, then pointed west and shouted, "I heard that some rebels escaped from the city today and are probably heading east. Lord Wu, be careful not to run into them!"

He turned and waved his hand, letting Zhu Chuanzong's carriage pass.

Zhu Chuanzong breathed a sigh of relief, thinking, "I didn't expect Zhao Shusheng to be so loyal. If Pang Laixiao finds out, he'll be in big trouble."

He had always considered Wang Zongying and Zhao Shusheng as mere drinking buddies, and he looked down on them for their lack of learning and fondness for drinking and whoring. He never expected them to save his life at such a crucial moment. He bowed to Zhao Shusheng and hurried away.

After a while, another troop of cavalry arrived. Seeing that the north gate was heavily guarded, the leading general nodded and asked Zhao Shusheng, "Lord Zhao, were there any suspicious people leaving through the north gate just now?"

Zhao Shusheng replied, "A carriage went out and headed east."

The general quickly led his men to chase after it.

Following Zhao Shusheng's directions, Zhu Chuanzong left the city gate and headed west, traveling for dozens of miles. Only when the horse was exhausted did he gradually slow down.

Seeing that the danger had passed and his mind was somewhat at ease, Zhu Chuanzong could no longer resist and leaned in to look at his beloved wife and son.

The baby, jolted awake by the carriage, held up two tiny, pink fists and stared around with wide eyes. Just as Zhu Chuanzong was about to reach out to hug the child, the baby suddenly cried, startling Zhu Chuanzong into withdrawing his hand. Consort Mei rolled her eyes at him and said, "Your son doesn't like you at all. You'd better stay away."

She unbuttoned her robe, revealing her snow-white, firm breasts. The child's crying stopped immediately, and he took the full nipple into his mouth, suckling contentedly.

Zhu Chuanzong said awkwardly, "It's not that your son doesn't like me, it's just that he's hungry!"

He stared at Consort Mei's smooth, jade-like breasts, his eyes shining. Princess Chang Le couldn't help but snort coldly.

Zhu Chuanzong didn't dare to be negligent and quickly smiled apologetically, "Xi'er, it's my fault. I've made you suffer."

Princess Chang Le said with red eyes, "I have my brother protecting me, what suffering could I possibly endure? It's you who's been gone for a year without sending a single letter. We don't even know if you're alright or not."

As she spoke, she began to weep.

Xue Jinxian knew the princess was soft-hearted and prone to tears, so he deliberately changed the subject, saying, "Princess, I heard that Pang Laixiao has proposed to the Emperor that he wants to marry you. Is that true?"

Princess Chang Le blushed, nodded, and said, "After Father Emperor passed away, that old scoundrel has always found opportunities to harass me. He said that when I was ten years old, he saw me once in the palace and has been obsessed with me ever since. But he was afraid of Father Emperor before and never dared to express his feelings. Now that he finally has the chance, he must marry me."

Zhu Chuanzong couldn't help but burst into a tirade of curses.

At this moment, the child, having finished his milk, fell fast asleep again. Zhu Chuanzong touched the child's face with his fingers, then suddenly remembered and asked, "Has the child been named yet?"

Consort Mei replied, "He is a prince, and should have been named by the Imperial Clan Court before his birth, according to the imperial family's naming conventions. However, because I was banished to the Cold Palace, and Pang Laixiao obstructed the process, he hasn't been named yet. Actually, I was hoping you, as his father, would give him a name."

Consort Mei's face suddenly lit up with a smile as she said this, "However, we have given him a nickname, which is both easy to pronounce and auspicious, and everyone says it's good."

Xue Jinxian and Fairy Zisha clearly already knew this, and they nodded and smiled as well.

Zhu Chuanzong asked, "Oh? What nickname did you give him?"

Meifei smiled and said, "Bao'er!"

Zhu Chuanzong exclaimed, "What? How can he call his father by my nickname? This, this…"

Meifei scolded, "Is Bao'er such a rare name? There are at least eight hundred, if not a thousand, children in the capital with that name. Why can you call him that, but my son can't?"

As she spoke with a hint of anger, she swayed her hips, her curves undulating, exuding a seductive charm. Zhu Chuanzong was captivated, his heart pounding, and he repeatedly said, "He can call me that, he can call me that!"

Meifei was very pleased with herself. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she kissed her son, giggling, "That's more like it! Bao'er is so good, Mother loves you!"

Xue Jinxian and the princess also said, "Bao'er, smile! Quickly call her Auntie."

The three of them found it very amusing, entertaining the baby while their eyes kept glancing at Zhu Chuanzong. For a moment, Zhu Chuanzong was truly at a loss for words.

Just then, the sound of galloping hooves suddenly came from behind, indicating that over a hundred riders were chasing after them. Zhu Chuanzong pulled his wives down from the carriage and disappeared into the roadside woods. Before leaving, he gave the horse's rump a few hard lashes, and the horse, in pain, pulled the carriage along the main road at breakneck speed.

As soon as they entered the woods, sure enough, a group of riders caught up and chased after the carriage without stopping.

After the pursuers passed, Zhu Chuanzong said with some doubt, "We did it so secretly, and not many people in the palace knew that someone had escaped. Pang Laixiao should have only discovered it a day or two at the earliest. How come we knew as soon as we left the capital and even sent people to capture us? It's really strange!"

Princess Chang Le thought for a moment and said, "It might be because of me."

She then blushed.

Zhu Chuanzong looked at her suspiciously. Princess Chang Le's face flushed even more, and she said with a hint of anger, "That old scoundrel Pang Laixiao sends people to check on me every morning just to curry favor with me. He must have discovered I wasn't here this morning."

The others immediately realized that this was the most likely reason. Zhu Chuanzong couldn't help but curse Pang Laixiao for his shamelessness, and even the usually dignified Xue Jinxian couldn't help but curse the old scoundrel a few times.

Zhu Chuanzong thought for a moment and said, "I think those people will definitely go back to report to Pang Laixiao once they catch the empty carriage. Let's wait for them to return before continuing our journey. If we can find some farm clothes in the village ahead to disguise ourselves, it will be much easier to evade capture."

After hiding in the woods for an hour or so, sure enough, the group of people returned at full speed, heading towards the capital. A little while later, Zhu Chuanzong and the others emerged from the woods and walked along the roadside. They hadn't gone far when they encountered a small group of men. The officer in charge looked at them and laughed loudly, "Just as I expected! Your escape plan, though clever, has been seen through. Men, arrest them all!"

Chapter Seven: Escaping Back to the Border

Zhu Chuanzong infiltrated the palace and rescued Consort Mei and Princess Chang Le. He had no flaws, but Pang Laixiao, determined to marry Princess Chang Le, had sent men to monitor her daily life. Upon discovering the princess was missing in the morning, he was filled with shock and anger and dispatched a general of the Imperial Guard to pursue them.

This general, named Wang Jinglong, was not yet thirty years old and was the son of the famous veteran general Wang Wu. He had been well-versed in military strategy since childhood and loved discussing military texts and tactics. He was eloquent and never met an opponent, thus often boasting of being the greatest general of his time.

He led his troops to the North Gate and questioned Zhao Shusheng. Zhao Shusheng lied, saying that Zhu Chuanzong's carriage had headed east. Wang Jinglong went out and chased eastward for several miles, but saw no trace of the carriage. He ordered his men to stop, pondered for a while, and then sighed, "We've been tricked!"

He ordered them to return the way they came and chase westward.

His men asked, "Did Zhao Shusheng lie?"

Wang Jinglong replied, "No, this is a military tactic called 'feinting to the east while attacking in the west.' The enemy fled eastward for a while to create a false impression, then fled westward. If it weren't for my superior military strategy, we would have been fooled." Sure enough,

after chasing westward for half a day, they finally saw the carriage in the distance. His men were full of admiration and flattered him endlessly.

They finally caught up with the carriage, only to find it completely empty. Wang Jinglong slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "That thief is truly brilliant! It's a classic case of escaping unscathed! Brilliant, brilliant!"

His men were still puzzled, so Wang Jinglong explained, "That thief is extremely cunning! He drove the empty carriage westward to draw our attention, while he himself fled eastward."

His men, confused by his shifting narratives and military tactics, simply flattered him. Wang Jinglong pondered for a while before selecting a small group of men, saying, "You all go back the way you came and pursue them eastward. I'll take this carriage back first." His men obeyed and

left.

Wang Jinglong led the remaining men, driving the carriage slowly back, calculating as he went: "I've seen through the thief's trick. Sending them eastward to pursue him—if they fail, the responsibility will fall on them. If they catch him, it'll be my achievement."

He grew increasingly pleased with himself.

Unfortunately for Zhu Chuanzong, seeing the earlier group, he assumed the pursuers had returned and had only come out then. Unexpectedly, they ran into Wang Jinglong. Seeing this unexpected windfall, Wang Jinglong laughed loudly, "Now where do you think you're going?"

He ordered his men to surround them.

Zhu Chuanzong, unarmed and trying to protect Xue Jinxian and the others, was immediately at a disadvantage. Just as things were getting critical, a group of people suddenly jumped out from the roadside, armed and masked, and engaged the soldiers in battle.

These masked men were highly skilled, catching Wang Jinglong off guard from the start. However, Wang Jinglong's men were all elite Imperial Guards, well-trained, and soon the masked men were also overwhelmed.

Wang Jinglong urged his men to charge forward, ordering, "Surround them! Don't let a single one escape!"

He was thinking about his great achievement and wondering what reward the Prime Minister would give him when he returned. Suddenly, a whistle blew, and another group of people rushed out of the woods by the roadside.

Wang Jinglong broke out in a cold sweat, thinking, "How many ambushes are these bandits? Why are they coming out one after another?"

The newly emerged group numbered over fifty, especially their four leaders, who were exceptionally brave. They shouted as they fought, "Brothers, give it your all! Our men have them surrounded! They can't escape!"

The bushes in the woods rustled wildly, indicating a large ambush.

Normally, these two groups of mounted warriors combined wouldn't be a match for the government troops, but their shouts instilled fear in the government soldiers, who became disorganized and disorganized. Seeing the situation was dire, Wang Jinglong spurred his horse and fled. His men, seeing their commander escape, were unwilling to stay and die, and followed him.

As he ran, Wang Jinglong secretly made several cuts on his arms and thighs, smearing the blood all over his body. Upon returning to the capital, he went to Pang Laixiao to apologize, explaining that although the bandits were cunning, he had seen through their schemes. Unfortunately, a large number of their accomplices arrived to reinforce them, and he, having fought valiantly, was outnumbered. He had intended to die in the line of duty, but fearing that no one would inform him and delay the Prime Minister's important affairs,

he had no choice but to risk his life to break through the siege and return. His subordinates, fearing punishment, had already prepared a fabricated story, unanimously praising General Wang Jinglong's brilliant military strategy and fierce fighting, blaming it only for the overwhelming numbers of the enemy. The implication was

that their own escape was out of necessity. Hearing this and seeing Wang Jinglong's wounded body, Pang Laixiao immediately believed him. Although he was a notorious traitor, he was no ordinary man who could wield considerable influence in the officialdom. He knew his cronies lacked real ability, serving him only out of greed for wealth and power, and would be of little use in crucial moments. Now, having discovered a capable, loyal, and fearless talent like Wang Jinglong, he considered him a priceless treasure.

Pang Laixiao immediately used the Emperor's name to promote Wang Jinglong, appointing him Commander of the Imperial Guards and bestowing upon him abundant gold and silver. Wang Jinglong, quick-witted as ever, immediately swore allegiance to Pang Laixiao, feigning gratitude. Pang Laixiao, now with his cronies controlling the court and Wang Jinglong commanding the imperial guards, felt the empire was firmly in his grasp. Had it not been for the rescue of Consort Mei and Princess Chang Le, he feared he would have usurped the throne immediately.

That very night, Pang Laixiao summoned his confidants to his residence to discuss the matter.

Pang Laixiao asked, "Who do you think entered the palace to rescue them?"

One replied, "The palace is heavily guarded, and our men are everywhere. How could they have taken them away without anyone noticing? I think it was probably the Emperor who sent someone."

Another said, "The Emperor is constantly under surveillance. How could he have done that? No, no!"

Zeng Huaishun, the Minister of Justice, had previously served under Zhu Chuanzong and was terrified of him. His face paled, and he stammered, "Could it be that Zhu Chuanzong has returned?"

Zhu Chuanzong had once been a powerful figure in the officialdom, killing countless corrupt officials. Although he had fallen from power, his reputation remained. Everyone present had suffered at his hands, and the mere mention of his name sent shivers down their spines. Thinking further, they realized that only Zhu Chuanzong possessed the ability to enter the palace to rescue someone and outmaneuver the pursuers. The more they thought about it, the more certain they became, their faces paling with fear at the memory of Zhu Chuanzong's methods.

Pang Laixiao, who had previously been most wary of Zhu Chuanzong, had gradually lost interest now that the entire Zhu family had been dismissed and Zhu Chuanzong's whereabouts were unknown. Seeing everyone so terrified, he became angry and roared, "You bunch of good-for-nothings! Zhu Chuanzong isn't a tiger, he can't eat you!"

The crowd thought to themselves that Zhu Chuanzong was far more terrifying than a tiger, but they dared not say this to Pang Laixiao's face. They hastily declared their resolve, saying that Zhu Chuanzong was merely a defeated opponent of the Prime Minister, not even worth a toe of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister was a god descended to earth, destined by Heaven; they were practically begging him to kneel and shout "Long live the Prime Minister!" Pang Laixiao's anger turned to joy, and they resumed their discussions about seizing power.

But let's leave aside Pang Laixiao's schemes. Meanwhile, Zhu Chuanzong, rescued by two groups of people in his moment of crisis, was overjoyed but also puzzled. Upon closer inspection, he recognized the four leaders of the later group and was immediately delighted.

It turned out to be Zhu's four servants: Wang Daniu, Zhao Laosi, Zhang Laowu, and Qian Laoliu.

These four had been given tasks by Zhu Chuanzong and were doing them quite well. However, after Zhu Chuanzong's incident, they were implicated, not only dismissed from their posts but also hunted down everywhere.

They originally wanted to return to their hometown and become farmers again, but after following Zhu Chuanzong for so many years, they had not only gained skills but also become arrogant. They feared they could not endure the oppression of petty officials again. Therefore, the four discussed it and decided to return to their old ways, finding a mountain stronghold, gathering men, and becoming bandit kings.

However, they knew Zhu Chuanzong would eventually rise again, so they dared not go far, gathering in a mountain not far from the capital. They constantly inquired about Zhu Chuanzong's whereabouts but to no avail. Today, they led their men out to rob a road and happened to encounter Zhu Chuanzong being surrounded. They immediately rushed out.

The four were overjoyed to see Zhu Chuanzong, shouting that they had finally found their young master and would never leave again. Zhu Chuanzong was moved and offered a few words of comfort. Then, he looked at the group of masked men beside him and asked, "May I ask who you are?"

The men all took off their handkerchiefs. Zhu Chuanzong looked up and saw that the pale-faced man leading the group was none other than Shui Fengliang, the leader of the Lao Jun Sect. Beside him was a woman in her fifties, none other than Ye Feifei, Shui Ling'er's master, who had been arrested for breaking into the government office at night. However, Zhu Chuanzong couldn't pay attention to them now; his eyes were fixed on the third person.

The woman was wearing a pink dress, carrying a sword, with a slender figure and beautiful features. She looked at him with a charming smile, and it was none other than Shui Ling'er, whom he had been longing for day and night.

Zhu Chuanzong was both surprised and delighted. He went over and hugged her, saying, "Ling'er, it's so good to see you again. I've missed you so much!"

Shui Ling'er was also moved and couldn't help but hug him back. After a moment, she suddenly came to her senses, blushing, and pushed Zhu Chuanzong, saying, "Let go! There are so many people watching!"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "No, what's so embarrassing about a husband holding his wife?"

Shui Ling'er sighed, "Who's your wife? When did I agree to marry you?"

Zhu Chuanzong looked at Shui Fengliang and Ye Feifei smiling beside him and laughed, "Your godfather and master are here. I'll just propose to them now, won't that be enough?"

Shui Fengliang laughed loudly, "Lord Zhu is a man of both literary and martial talents, a true hero. It's Ling'er's good fortune to have such a fine son-in-law. I agree, I agree!"

Shui Ling'er blushed even more and said sweetly, "Godfather, why are you helping outsiders bully me? I'm ignoring you!" She shook her hand and lowered her head to hide behind Ye Feifei.

Shui Ling'er, who was always spirited and vigorous, suddenly revealed a girlish shyness, which was even more captivating. Zhu Chuanzong couldn't help but stare, dumbfounded.

Shui Fengliang laughed, "Lord Zhu, Ling'er can't escape. We can observe her slowly. This isn't the place to talk. Let's find somewhere else to discuss this in detail."

Zhu Chuanzong snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded in agreement.

The group found an empty, dilapidated temple. Zhu Chuanzong and the women first bowed to thank the Laozi Sect members for saving their lives.

Shui Fengliang hurriedly said, "Lord Zhu has long been kind to our sect. He is a just and upright official who protects the people, a loyal minister of the court. This is what we should do. Please rise, please rise!"

Zhu Chuanzong stood up and asked Shui Fengliang and the others why they had come. It turned out that Shui Fengliang had always wanted to preach in the capital, but because the government was cracking down hard, he hadn't made any progress. Later, the Zhu family fell from power, and Pang Laixiao seized power. The Laozi Sect members, adhering to their mission of eliminating evil for the people, had been secretly hiding in the capital, opposing the treacherous officials. They also had spies in the palace. Hearing that Consort Mei and the princess had been rescued and the city was in chaos, they followed them out to see what was happening. Unexpectedly, they ended up rescuing Zhu Chuanzong and his companions.

Zhu Chuanzong secretly rejoiced, thinking it was truly fate. He then looked at Shui Ling'er and asked, "Ling'er, have you been in the capital this past year? How have you been?"

Shui Ling'er shook her head, hesitated, gave him a sidelong glance, and lowered her head.

Ye Feifei laughed, "Ling'er doesn't have time to keep us company now. She's busy fulfilling her filial duties."

Zhu Chuanzong was taken aback. Shui Ling'er was an orphan; where could she fulfill her filial duties?

Shui Ling'er blushed and scolded, "Silly boy!"

It turned out that the Zhu family had been banished from the capital, and Shui Ling'er, worried about their safety, had escorted them all the way to Lingnan. However, Pang Laixiao was still uneasy and had been sending people to monitor the Zhu family. Shui Ling'er had stayed with them. It wasn't until a few days ago, when she heard from Wu Siyuan that Zhu Chuanzong was about to raise an army, that she rushed to see him.

Moved, Zhu Chuanzong couldn't help but walk over and hold her small hand.

Shui Fengliang said, "I heard that you, sir, are going to raise an army to deal with Pang Laixiao. It's truly a righteous act in accordance with the will of Heaven! Our Lao Jun Sect is also willing to contribute.

I wonder if there's anything we can do to help?" Zhu Chuanzong was taken aback, thinking, "What can you do? Go and preach in my army?"

He didn't want to have anything to do with the Lao Jun Sect, but they had just saved his life, so he couldn't refuse. After thinking for a moment, an idea struck him, and he smiled, "There is indeed something I need to trouble Uncle Shui with. After I raise an army, I'm afraid Pang Laixiao will be enraged and harm my family. I wonder if I could trouble your sect to protect my family?"

Zhu Chuanzong guessed correctly. Shui Fengliang did intend to use this opportunity to expand the Lao Jun Sect's influence, but since Zhu Chuanzong had asked, he couldn't refuse. After thinking about it, he felt this was also a way to curry favor with Zhu Chuanzong, so he agreed. Because time was of the essence, they had to set off immediately.

Shui Ling'er hesitated for a moment, but didn't want to go.

Zhu Chuanzong said smugly, "Ling'er must be reluctant to part with me."

Shui Ling'er pouted and said, "What's so special about you? I want to go to battle with everyone."

As she spoke, she brandished her sword.

Zhu Chuanzong was speechless for a moment. Everyone burst into laughter, and Shui Fengliang agreed to let Shui Ling'er stay to help, then led everyone away.

Wang Daniu and the others looked at each other, and Zhang Laowu asked, "Young Master, are you really planning to raise an army?"

Zhu Chuanzong nodded and said, "That's right! When we reach the border, I will announce to the world that we are going to punish Pang Laixiao. Are you afraid?"

Wang Daniu patted his chest and said, "Pang Laixiao is nothing, what's there to be afraid of!"

Qian Laoliu laughed and said, "Oh? You're so capable, then why don't you just go and kill Pang Laixiao now!"

Wang Daniu blushed, scratched his head and said, "I mean, Pang Laixiao is nothing compared to Young Master, I'm not afraid because I'm following behind Young Master."

His words amused everyone.

Zhao Laosi said, "Young Master, we still have several hundred men in our stronghold. Let's go back and pack up now, then head to the border to meet you and contribute to your important mission."

Zhu Chuanzong readily agreed, and the four of them led their men back to the mountain to prepare.

Now, only Zhu Chuanzong and four women remained in the temple. Although all four women were stunningly beautiful, each possessed a unique charm. Meifei was alluring and graceful, Xue Jinxian was dignified and charming, Shui Ling'er was spirited and heroic, and Zisha Fairy was pure, elegant, and captivating. They were like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each with their own strengths, bringing a touch of brilliance to the dilapidated temple. Zhu Chuanzong was dazzled by their beauty, smiling as he looked, feeling even more pleased that all these women, blessed with the beauty of heaven and earth, had chosen him.

Shui Ling'er couldn't help but chuckle, "Silly boy, what are you laughing at?"

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Ling'er, come, let me introduce you to these sisters."

Shui Ling'er, because of her elusive nature, had only been known by name, never seen in person. Upon meeting her today, they found her not only beautiful but also highly skilled in martial arts, a rare and remarkable woman. The three women immediately took a liking to this younger sister. They were all extraordinary women, admiring each other, and after a few words, they quickly became close, arguing their ages and addressing each other as sisters.

They boarded their carriage and continued their journey. After a day's travel, they arrived at an inn to stay.

Looking at the four beautiful women, Zhu Chuanzong felt a surge of desire and asked with a smile, "Who will keep me company tonight?"

All four women blushed, especially Princess Chang Le, who, being a virgin, turned her head away shyly. The remaining three retorted, "You wish! Who wants to keep you company? We sisters have private things to discuss. Go to sleep by yourself!"

In the end, the four women stayed together, but none of them wanted to sleep in the same room as Zhu Chuanzong. Zhu Chuanzong was disappointed and sighed deeply.

As evening fell, just as Zhu Chuanzong was about to rest, there was a knock at the door. Opening it, he saw Consort Mei tiptoe in, carrying their son, Xiao Bao'er.

Consort Mei said, "What are you doing? I brought our son to show you; I haven't had a chance on the road."

Zhu Chuanzong quickly got up and took Xiao Bao'er, sitting down on the edge of the bed with Consort Mei in his arms. The baby had just finished nursing and was fast asleep, his little body pink and soft. Zhu Chuanzong was truly enamored with him and couldn't resist kissing him.

Consort Mei said, "Don't move around, be careful not to wake Bao'er!"

A thought struck Zhu Chuanzong, and he pretended to be angry, saying, "You deliberately gave our son my nickname; I was just about to settle the score with you."

Consort Mei chuckled a few times, first placing the child comfortably on the bed, then turning her pretty face to the side, she said in a seductive voice, "I was wrong. How would you like to punish me, my husband?"

She bit her cherry lips, her eyes sparkling, looking at Zhu Chuanzong with a pitiful expression.

Zhu Chuanzong, unable to contain himself any longer, grabbed her and said, "You little slut, still daring to act coy? See how I deal with you!"

Meifei, naturally alluring and having been apart from Zhu Chuanzong for a long time, melted at his embrace, collapsing into his arms and whispering in his ear, "My darling, hurry up, I need to go back to my room later."

At this moment, her fragrance wafted out, intoxicating Zhu Chuanzong. He slipped his hand inside her clothes, kneading her roughly, and kissed her.

Just as they were about to enter the alley, someone knocked on the door and asked, "Fool, are you asleep?"

It was Shui Ling'er's voice.

Meifei was startled and pushed Zhu Chuanzong away, saying, "Oh no, we're going to be discovered!"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "Ling'er isn't an outsider, what's there to be afraid of?"

Meifei said, "I already said I wouldn't come. Now I'm stuck in my room, won't they laugh at me tomorrow? No way!"

Her eyes darted around, and she picked up Xiao Bao'er and hid behind the bed curtains.

Shui Ling'er entered and asked, "What are you doing? Why didn't you answer the door after I knocked for so long?"

Zhu Chuanzong replied, "I was thinking of you, so I couldn't sleep."

Shui Ling'er blushed, glared at him, and said, "You smooth talker, tell me, how many girls have you deceived in the past year?"

Zhu Chuanzong deliberately said, "Wait a minute, let me count, one, two, three..."

He started counting on his fingers.

Shui Ling'er said angrily, "Well, you actually..."

Zhu Chuanzong suddenly stopped and said, "I can't count them all, I've met too many beautiful women. But compared to my Ling'er, they're like weeds, how could I possibly be moved?"

Shui Ling'er chuckled and said, "I'm not as good as you say."

She was no longer angry, sat on the edge of the bed, rested her chin on her hand, and smiled at Zhu Chuanzong.

After a while, Shui Ling'er sighed and said, "I thought I'd never see you again."

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Are you afraid I'll be captured and killed by Pang Laixiao?"

Shui Ling'er shook her head and said, "No, it's just that... I planned not to see you again. Every time I saw you, I secretly resolved never to come looking for you again and to be a chivalrous woman who fights against evil. But I can't control myself. When I can't see you, I miss you every day, and as soon as I hear you're in trouble, I can't help but rush over. Tell me, what should I do?"

Zhu Chuanzong held her hand tenderly. He said, "Mr. Wu once told me that no love is built on freedom. Although I want to keep you by my side, if it means you have to give up your ambitions and be unhappy all day long, what kind of love is that? Don't worry, no matter what you choose, I will support you."

Shui Ling'er smiled sweetly and said, "You are really good to me. I knew I hadn't misjudged you."

After a moment, she suddenly whispered, "Actually, there is a way."

Zhu Chuanzong hurriedly asked what the way was, but Shui Ling'er blushed, lowered her head, and refused to speak for a long time.

Zhu Chuanzong saw her leaning against the headboard, her dark hair neatly tied up, her peach-blossom face slightly flushed, shy and charming. For a moment, he forgot about the concubine hiding behind the curtain, so he touched Shui Ling'er's tender face, then cupped her mouth with both hands and kissed her hard, saying, "If you don't want to say it, you can say it later. How about we do it now..."

Shui Ling'er's starry eyes were hazy, and she yielded, looking obedient. Zhu Chuanzong was overjoyed. He savored her smooth, fragrant tongue while simultaneously untying her belt and caressing her fair, snow-white skin, reluctant to let go.

Shui Ling'er, lost in passion, closed her eyes and moaned softly, like a cat's meow, thinking, "Fool, the method I suggested is to bear you a son. Once I have your flesh and blood, I will have repaid your kindness."

Seeing her aroused, Zhu Chuanzong slowly reached out and pulled down Shui Ling'er's trousers. Shui Ling'er obediently raised her shapely buttocks, and the trousers slipped down to her thighs. Zhu Chuanzong stared intently, seeing her buttocks thick and white, like they were made of wax, and her tender legs like they were made of mercury.

Zhu Chuanzong's eyes lit up, and he was about to part his legs to savor the moment when Xue Jinxian knocked on the door and called out, "Husband."

Shui Ling'er's face immediately changed, and she whispered anxiously, "What should we do?"

Zhu Chuanzong found it amusing, thinking, "Why is it like I'm having an affair with my own woman? They're all so afraid of being found out."

Shui Ling'er looked around, her eyes lighting up. She pulled up her trousers with one hand and covered her clothes with the other, then hid behind the curtain. Zhu Chuanzong remembered that Consort Mei was also hiding there, but it was too late.

Two screams rang out, and at the same time, the door opened, and Xue Jinxian walked in, laughing, "Husband, what's that sound in your room?"

He stopped mid-sentence, stunned.

He saw Consort Mei holding a child standing beside the curtain, and Shui Ling'er, her clothes disheveled, seemingly about to go inside. The two women stood facing each other, their faces flushed.

Xue Jinxian glanced at the table, quickly guessed what was going on, and couldn't help but laugh, "Sister Meifei said she wanted to go for a walk, and Sister Ling'er said she wanted to practice her sword, so why are you both in your husband's room!"

They couldn't help but laugh.

The two women glanced at each other, their faces turning even redder. After a while, Consort Mei said, "Ah, I need to breastfeed Bao'er now, I'm going back to my room."

Shui Ling'er also quickly made an excuse to escape.

As Xue Jinxian turned to leave, Zhu Chuanzong stopped her, saying, "Why are you leaving so soon?"

Xue Jinxian smiled, pursing her lips, "The sisters were all being stubborn and refusing to keep you company, so I came to check on you, afraid you'd be angry. I didn't expect you to be having such a good time. I shouldn't have bothered; I have to go back now."

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Now that none of them are here, what's there for me to be happy about? I'll only be happy if you stay."

Xue Jinxian said, "I could have kept you company just now, but not now."

Zhu Chuanzong asked, "Why not now?"

Xue Jinxian smiled, her charm boundless, and said carefully, "Just now in the room, they all said they didn't care for you, you stinky man, and wouldn't keep you company. But now… well, I won't be the first. You have to have them first before I let you touch me."

Zhu Chuanzong was stunned, "What kind of logic is that?"

Xue Jinxian smiled meaningfully, "You wouldn't understand a woman's heart."

With that, she turned and left.

The next day, when they set off, Consort Mei and the other women were all laughing and joking as before, showing no signs of unease, as if nothing had happened. However, they refused to come to Zhu Chuanzong's room to see him again. Zhu Chuanzong thought to himself, "Am I just going to travel like this? I'll have to use some tricks to capture you all easily." Chapter 8

:
A Sensual Journey

Zhu Chuanzong set off with the four beauties, heading straight for the border. The journey was filled with laughter and joy, but the four women, though sharing a room, refused to share a room with him. Seeing them but not being able to have them was unbearable. After several days, Zhu Chuanzong could no longer resist and secretly pondered how to get his way.

He considered it over; the Purple Silk Fairy was out of the question, and given Xue Jinxian and Shui Ling'er's personalities, they probably wouldn't come out for a tryst. Consort Mei, however, was the most promising candidate.

Taking advantage of the meal, Zhu Chuanzong quietly pulled Meifei aside and said, "I have nothing to do tonight and can't sleep. How about we find a secluded place to chat?"

Meifei glanced at him and smiled, "Just chatting? I think you have some ulterior motives."

Zhu Chuanzong looked at her with a smile and said meaningfully, "I do have some ulterior motives. Do you dare to go?"

Meifei gave him a flirtatious look and said, "I'm not afraid of you."

The two agreed on a time and place. Meifei gave Zhu Chuanzong a flirtatious look and smiled at him before turning and gracefully leaving. Zhu Chuanzong thought that if he could endure a few more hours, he could enjoy that beautiful and alluring body again. He couldn't help but feel a strong urge to go, and he wished it would get dark soon.

When the appointed time arrived, Zhu Chuanzong got out of bed and tiptoed to the willow tree by the courtyard wall. He thought that the willow tree was far from his residence, it was the middle of the night, and there was no one patrolling the inner courtyard. It was the perfect place for a secret tryst.

When Zhu Chuanzong arrived under the willow tree, he saw Consort Mei, dressed in a long skirt and lightly made up, her figure graceful and alluring. She was already waiting under the tree, and he was delighted. He

quickly pulled her into his arms. Consort Mei chuckled, "Didn't you come here to chat? If you touch me again, I'll call for help!"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "Go ahead and call, no one will come to save you even if you scream your lungs out!"

Consort Mei cried out softly, "Help! Help! A lecherous thief is trying to rape me!"

Her face was filled with panic and fear.

Zhu Chuanzong was even more enraged. He could no longer restrain himself and reached his hand inside Consort Mei's clothes. He felt her ample bosom and was taken aback. He laughed, "You little slut, you really understand my heart!"

It turned out that Consort Mei had removed her bra beforehand to make things easier. Zhu Chuanzong's touch revealed Meifei's plump, firm breasts, soft and smooth, a source of great pleasure. He twisted and squeezed them, and Meifei felt equally comfortable. Her breasts, already firm and erect from Zhu Chuanzong's ministrations, were even more arousing.

Meifei let out a soft cry, her voice seductive: "You lecherous scoundrel, are you happy now?"

The panic on her face vanished instantly, replaced by a blush, her eyes sparkling with desire, and her breath coming in short gasps. She transformed from a chaste and virtuous woman into a wanton, wanton woman.

Immediately, the two began to kiss, their lips meeting and their tongues entwining.

In her fervor, Consort Mei took the initiative. With a flick of her finger, she removed Zhu Chuanzong's trousers, pulling them down to reveal his already erect penis. She grasped it, feeling its thick, hot, and almost burning sensation. She rubbed and twisted it gently, occasionally touching the tip with her fingertips, further fueling Zhu Chuanzong's lust. Soon, his penis was glistening with precum. Consort Mei touched it; it was smooth and slippery, like touching brocade, incredibly pleasurable.

Looking down, she saw his thick, swollen penis in the moonlight, pulsating like a snake in the grass. Her own lust burned fiercely, and a crawling, itchy sensation spread through her vagina. She quickly reached out, grabbed his penis, and lowered her head, taking it into her mouth.

Zhu Chuanzong, who hadn't experienced such ecstasy in over a year, was instantly overwhelmed with pleasure, as if his soul had flown to heaven. He couldn't help but look down.

Meifei grasped the base of his jade stem with one hand, gently rubbing and kneading it. She then took the tip into her mouth, stroking it up and down for a while, before lightly licking the tip with her tongue, slowly licking around it. After another round of stroking, she made smacking sounds, as if savoring a delicacy.

Zhu Chuanzong thought to himself, "Meifei is the most alluring in bed. Although Jinxian and the others are beautiful, they wouldn't do these things."

He couldn't help but groan loudly, feeling as if ants were crawling on his jade stem, waves of piercing itching spreading throughout his body, making him hot and unbearably itchy. He unconsciously stirred the jade stem in Meifei's mouth a few times, then reached down and explored.

He felt something smooth and soft, like a dough ball, with a valley in the middle, flowing with hot and wet water. It turned out that Meifei wasn't even wearing any trousers. He was overjoyed and exclaimed, "You little slut, you've thought of everything!"

Meifei, licking his jade stem, mumbled, "Your Majesty, have I served you well?"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "Good, I'll reward you!"

He inserted his finger along Meifei's buttocks from behind, thrusting and rubbing it rapidly. A moment later, a stream of lustful fluid gushed from Meifei's vagina, flowing down her legs. Zhu Chuanzong continued to rub and thrust, and Meifei felt an intense itching sensation inside, which was very uncomfortable. She quickly swayed her buttocks from side to side, contracting her vaginal opening and occasionally clamping Zhu Chuanzong's finger between her legs. After a while, Meifei felt a heat inside her vagina, her whole body trembling. With the jade stem in her mouth, she murmured, "My darling, this is so wonderful!"

Her vagina tightened, and she unconsciously ejaculated.

After a while, Zhu Chuanzong straightened up, one hand holding Meifei's upper body, the other tightly holding her head, pulling her close to his chest. He kissed her jade lips wildly, as if possessed, while his penis thrust left and right inside her, squeezing and rubbing forcefully. Meifei coiled around him like a water snake, emitting waves of exotic fragrance, and cried out coquettishly, "Your Majesty, this servant can't take it anymore, please love this servant!" She

reached out and moved back and forth, occasionally kneading her testicles.

Zhu Chuanzong couldn't resist any longer, so he quickly lifted Meifei up by the waist, carried her to a willow tree, pressed her tightly against the tree, guided his penis to her vulva, and thrust it in forcefully, penetrating her completely. Consort Mei cried out, "My darling, it's killing me!"

Zhu Chuanzong felt something soft yet tight inside, constantly writhing, indescribably tight. He laughed, "Why is it still so tight? You don't seem like a woman who has given birth at all."

Consort Mei said, "It's only when it's tight that Your Majesty is happy. Does Your Majesty like it?"

She twisted her waist obsequiously and tightened her lower body, almost snapping his jade stem.

Zhu Chuanzong angrily said, "You dare to act strangely again!"

and began to thrust forcefully.

The jade stem was burning hot, and the orifice was also scalding hot; after several thrusts, it became even hotter, like being roasted. After a while of the man's thrusts, Meifei's limbs trembled, her breath coming in gasps, and her moans were incessant. The lustful fluid in her orifice was splashed everywhere with each thrust of the jade stem, staining both of their legs and lower abdomens.

Meifei was being tormented to the point of near death, only able to cry out, "Darling...good brother, be gentler, ah...you've pulled my heart out. Deeper...ah, I'm going to die..."

Her lewd moans were endless.

Zhu Chuanzong ignored her, straightened up, and thrust rapidly. He thrust rapidly once, then slowly once; he thrust slowly once, then rapidly again. With one thrust, the jade stem reached the very bottom, sucking wildly at the flower's core, leaving the concubine's belly empty, as pleasurable as an empty sac; with one withdrawal, it was pulled out completely, filling the orifice with love fluid, and upon the next thrust, the lustful water overflowed, slippery, sweet, and indescribable. The concubine moaned and groaned as he thrust, a continuous symphony of pleasure filling the air, her body trembling uncontrollably. Before he knew it, he had climaxed three times before Zhu Chuanzong finally ejaculated in a torrent. The concubine

was utterly weak and powerless, almost unable to stand. Leaning against the willow tree, embracing Zhu Chuanzong, she said in a sweet voice, "Your Majesty, you're so amazing! You almost made me feel like I was on top of the world! I wish I could die beneath you!"

Zhu Chuanzong said smugly, "Of course."

He reached out and caressed her for a while, then said, "You little slut, you clearly want it, so why pretend to be so proper and not come to keep me company?"

Consort Mei glanced at him and said resentfully, "I don't have any official status. All my sisters are here. If I rush to throw myself into your arms, won't they look down on me? Sigh, I'll grant your wish tonight. I hope they don't find out."

Zhu Chuanzong thought for a moment and immediately understood. It turned out that while several women sharing one husband was willing and there was no jealousy among them, a little competition was inevitable. This was human nature and not surprising at all.

Especially since, apart from Xue Jinxian, the other three women did not yet have any official status, they were particularly reserved, fearing being looked down upon.

No wonder the women were so afraid of being seen when they came to his room that night, and how embarrassed they were after being caught. It turns out everyone has a competitive spirit; how could such outstanding women be content to be inferior to others? They simply loved Zhu Chuanzong, so they hid it.

Thinking of this, Zhu Chuanzong felt immense happiness, thinking, "They are people with ideals, they have given up so much for me, and willingly endured hardship. I must cherish them even more in the future."

It was nearly midnight, and the moon was obscured by clouds. Because they had to travel the next day, the two embraced and kissed for a while longer before getting dressed and quietly returning to their rooms.

They had experienced the thrill of a clandestine tryst in the wild, a completely different experience from their previous trysts in the palace, which greatly excited them. Meifei, having been celibate for a long time, was even more unable to resist. From then on, they often used chatting as an excuse to meet secretly at night, which needs no further explanation.

More than ten days passed in the blink of an eye, and they were already far from the capital. Seeing that Pang Laixiao had not sent any more pursuers, Zhu Chuanzong felt relieved. They had always been cautious and in a hurry. When they passed scenic spots, they would only glance at them briefly, reluctant to leave, wanting to appreciate them properly but unable to. Now that the danger was over, they didn't want to miss out.

Princess Chang Le, in particular, had hardly ever left the palace since birth. She often longed for the beautiful landscapes described in poems. Coincidentally, they passed a small mountain that day and suggested spending half a day there.

Zhu Chuanzong drove the carriage into the mountain and stopped by a small river. It was springtime, and the trees were lush, the wildflowers in full bloom, the mountains and water complementing each other like a painting. They sat down on the ground, set out fine wine and food, enjoying the flowers and wine, thoroughly content.

After a while, Princess Chang Le got up to explore other places, and Zhu Chuanzong accompanied her.

They walked along the riverbank for a while, and Princess Chang Le, feeling a little tired, sat down on a rock by the stream. Seeing the cool, clear river water, so lovely, she couldn't resist taking off her shoes and socks and dipping her feet in, gently paddling them.

Zhu Chuanzong stole glances at her two delicate little feet, as if carved from white jade, white with a hint of pink, making one want to hold them in their hands and play with them. Her little toes were like pearls, sparkling and shimmering. Her ankles were slender and shapely, her calves straight and long, their exquisite allure indescribable, leaving him mesmerized.

Princess Chang Le felt Zhu Chuanzong's gaze, her face flushed, and she pulled her legs back, covering them with her skirt.

Both of them were somewhat embarrassed. Zhu Chuanzong said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."

Princess Chang Le chuckled, tilting her head to look at him, and said, "Do your eyes turn around by themselves?"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "Yes, I told my eyes, 'Don't look at what you shouldn't see.' But they said, 'I've finally seen the most beautiful fairy in heaven, I must look at her to my heart's content, even if it means death. If I don't agree, they'll jump out and look for themselves.' I couldn't bear to part with my eyes, so I had to agree. So you can't entirely blame me."

The two chatted and laughed for a few moments, then a mountain breeze blew by, and petals from the trees along the riverbank fluttered down, falling in a colorful shower onto the river's surface. Princess Chang Le rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the scene with a dreamy look.

After watching for a while, Princess Chang Le's eyes became hazy, as if she were filled with loneliness and confusion. She gazed at the floating, helpless petals and softly sang: "The forest flowers have faded, spring's beauty gone too soon. Helplessly, morning brings cold rain, evening brings wind. Tears like rouge, lingering in drunkenness, when will we meet again? It is the eternal regret of life, like water flowing eastward forever."

Her voice was melodious and gentle, filled with melancholy and resentment, as if a myriad of emotions were contained within it.

Zhu Chuanzong, lost in thought, didn't know where he was. He sat there blankly for an unknown amount of time. Suddenly, he noticed Princess Chang Le's sorrowful face and the tears

welling up in her eyes. Startled, he quickly asked, "Why are you crying?" Princess Chang Le sighed softly and said, "Beauty fades easily, just like these flower petals. In the blink of an eye, they are destroyed by the wind. Some drift away with the water, some turn into spring mud, leaving no trace. The vicissitudes of life are like fleeting clouds, so full of suffering. I wonder when I will also be like these flower petals, gone with the wind. Will you still remember me then?"

Zhu Chuanzong couldn't help but take her hand. He said, "Our fate is tied to each other in a past life. My feelings for you are so strong that even Heaven cannot stop them. How could I forget you?"

Princess Chang Le said, "Back then, you hadn't liked any other fairies, so it's not surprising that you were infatuated with me. But now you have so many beautiful and intelligent women around you, and I don't know how to please you like they do..."

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Your purity, elegance, and talent are what I love. You are a celestial fairy, and it is my good fortune to have your affection. How could I dare to hope for anything else?"

Princess Chang Le felt a sweet warmth in her heart upon hearing his sincere words, and her sorrow gradually faded.

The two returned and found that only Xue Jinxian and Shui Ling'er were still drinking, while Consort Mei was exhausted and resting against a tree. Zhu Chuanzong also felt sleepy upon seeing this. It turned out that the two had gone out for a tryst the night before and had been up all night, so they were tired. Thus, Zhu Chuanzong also took a nap next to her.

When he woke up, it was already afternoon. Shui Ling'er laughed, "Silly boy, you're so sleepy, be careful you don't turn back into a fatso."

Zhu Chuanzong saw that Princess Chang Le was still a little gloomy and wanted to cheer her up. A thought struck him, and he smiled, "Speaking of afternoon naps, I remembered a funny story about the former Dean Hua of the Hanlin Academy. Do you want to hear it?"

The girls surrounded him, urging him to tell the story quickly.

It turned out that Dean Hua Wenzhang of the Hanlin Academy was extremely sleepy, especially fond of afternoon naps. One day, a student asked him how to interpret the phrase "宰予昼寝" (Zai Yu zhong qin) in a book. Hua Wenzhang said, "This phrase might not be understood by others. Let me tell you. '宰' means to kill; '予' means 'I'; '昼' means noon; '寝' means to sleep. Put together, it means: 'Even if you kill me, I'll still take an afternoon nap!'" The student was completely convinced and praised his teacher for his profound knowledge.

The girls were overjoyed, covering their mouths and laughing until tears streamed down their faces.

Shui Ling'er, being less educated, didn't understand the meaning. Xue Jinxian said, "Zai Yu is a person's name, a student of a sage. 'Zai Yu's Painting of Sleeping' refers to the story of this student sleeping during the day and being reprimanded by his teacher. That Dean Hua actually misinterpreted it like that, and is even smug about it! It's really laughable."

Shui Ling'er finally understood and laughed, but then her gaze lingered between Zhu Chuanzong and Meifei, and she smiled, "Why is Zaiyu so sleepy? Did he also go out chatting in the middle of the night?"

The three women were taken aback for a moment, then all smiled, their eyes filled with a hint of teasing.

Meifei blushed and gave Zhu Chuanzong a reproachful look. Zhu Chuanzong was startled, thinking, "These women are all incredibly clever; I couldn't fool them after all."

The group left, thoroughly enjoying themselves. In the evening, they found an inn, had dinner, and Zhu Chuanzong saw Shui Ling'er's charming face and couldn't help but be moved. He whispered to her, "How about we go out for a chat tonight?"

Shui Ling'er glared at him and said, "Go chat by yourself, I'm not going with you... I'm going..."

Her face flushed, she turned and quickly left.

Zhu Chuanzong knew she was shy and unwilling to seek pleasure outside the home, secretly lamenting his disappointment. He then went to plead with Consort Mei, who laughed, "You only miss me now that you've been rebuffed by Ling'er? You made me the butt of jokes during the day, so don't even think about it tonight." She then

returned to her room with a smile, carrying Xiao Bao'er.

Zhu Chuanzong had no choice but to return to his room dejectedly. These past few days, with Consort Mei's company, he had found it even harder to sleep alone. As he tossed and turned, there was a soft knock at the door. It was Xue Jinxian.

Xue Jinxian walked to the bedside, touched his cheek, and smiled, "My husband, you're usually so successful, but today you've been rebuffed by two sisters. What a strange thing!"

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Not just two? There's also you."

Xue Jinxian smiled slightly, "Are you angry, my husband? I'm your legal wife, so it's natural to have more to consider. I've come to apologize now."

Zhu Chuanzong knew she was always more thoughtful and proud than others, so he didn't blame her. Seeing her charming smile, he immediately forgot his displeasure and embraced her intimately.

After a few moments of kissing and embracing, they removed their clothes and lay down on the couch. Zhu Chuanzong grabbed her two white legs, hoisted them onto his shoulders, and was about to thrust into her when he noticed a slight hesitation on Xue Jinxian's face, which puzzled him.

He asked several times, and Xue Jinxian whispered, "The other day when we were doing it, it was very painful, like our wedding night. Husband, please be gentle."

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "You haven't been intimate for a long time, your flower chamber is too narrow. Let your husband cultivate it anew."

He inserted his jade stem halfway in, not moving it out, but slowly grinding it in. When it felt easier, he inserted another inch. After repeating this several times, they reached a wonderful state. Xue Jinxian didn't feel much pain; she felt much more comfortable than when he thrust in and out the other day, and her vagina felt slightly wider. At this moment, the jade stem was fully inserted. Xue Jinxian

felt an unbearable tingling sensation, and her lower body was also flowing with fluid. She whispered, "That's enough, husband, you can move as you please." Zhu Chuanzong, who was currently burning with lust and struggling to restrain himself, was overjoyed to hear this. He thrust in with all his might, and with a sudden sound, it was already fully inserted. He began to pump forcefully inside her. Xue Jinxian felt that the wonderful thing constantly pressing against her clitoris, pricking the center of her flower, like a butterfly fluttering over a flower. Her

vagina felt sore, numb, and painful. Her entire vulva was moved up and down by the wonderful thing, and she couldn't help but moan softly and cry out. Zhu Chuanzong, hearing her moans, became even more aroused. He used his legs to pull his thighs together and thrust the jade stem in and out rapidly, making "slap slap" sounds. He felt that Xue Jinxian's vaginal walls tightly wrapped around the jade stem, which was more pleasurable than the plump and soft tightness of the concubine Meifei. Each thrust was exceptionally pleasurable. Zhu Chuanzong thrust in and out for a while, then rested before thrusting in three or four hundred more times. Xue Jinxian's vaginal fluids were released twice, leaving her limbs weak and her body aching all over, groaning incessantly. Zhu Chuanzong thrust in for a long time before finally stopping, ejaculating heavily on her vulva. After

resting for a while, Xue Jinxian recovered some strength and said, "Now I've fulfilled your wish, so you and Consort Mei don't need to hide it anymore. From now on, if you want to... come to your room, we won't bother you. Going outside every day, aren't you afraid of catching a cold?"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "The feeling outside is quite special, different from the bed. How about my wife comes out with me to try it sometime?"

Xue Jinxian blushed and spat, "Who would go outside with you!"

Zhu Chuanzong knew she was absolutely unwilling, so after a few more jokes, he didn't mention it again.

The next day, when they set off, the women were slightly surprised to see Xue Jinxian come out of Zhu Chuanzong's room. However, since they were husband and wife, they weren't surprised and quickly understood.

Zhu Chuanzong already enjoyed a rare stroke of good fortune with Consort Mei and Xue Jinxian by his side. However, everyone has a weakness: the more unattainable something is, the more one craves it. Now, all he could think about was how to get Shui Ling'er into his possession. But the four women were always inseparable, making things difficult.

One day, while having a meal, Zhu Chuanzong suggested that it was too crowded for all four women to share a room, and it would be better if they slept in separate rooms.

Consort Mei readily agreed, saying it would be a bit cramped with Bao'er. Xue Jinxian gave Zhu Chuanzong a half-smile and also agreed. So, two rooms were booked: one for Xue Jinxian and Consort Mei, and one for Shui Ling'er and the Purple Silk Fairy.

After the meal, Zhu Chuanzong pulled out a collection of ancient poems from somewhere, saying he had bought it on the road. Xue Jinxian and the other two women were all learned, and the Purple Silk Fairy especially loved poetry. They immediately gathered around to appreciate and critique the book, completely engrossed in it. Shui Ling'er listened for a while, but didn't understand much, and, bored, went to rest in her room.

Seeing his plan succeed, Zhu Chuanzong was secretly pleased. After a while, he quietly sneaked into Shui Ling'er's room. He saw Shui Ling'er sleeping on the bed, wearing only a close-fitting undergarment, her arms and legs exposed. Her skin was as white as ice and jade, captivating.

Her black hair was fluffy, her cheeks were rosy, and she exuded a fragrant scent. It was truly a beautiful picture of a sleeping begonia.

Zhu Chuanzong gazed at her for a long time, unable to restrain himself. He hurriedly took off his clothes and climbed naked onto the bed.

Chapter Nine: Rising an Army in Rebellion .

Shui Ling'er woke up with a start. Opening her eyes, she saw Zhu Chuanzong and blushed. She said, "What mischief are you up to in my room?"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "Knowing I'm going to do something naughty, why ask?"

As he spoke, his large hand reached inside her undergarment, caressing her smooth skin, and then kissed her cherry-like lips.

Shui Ling'er, by now fully aware of what was happening, said coquettishly, "I knew you officials weren't good people. So you planned this all along."

Zhu Chuanzong was a seasoned lover, his skills superb, and Shui Ling'er was no match for him. Besides, she had already given her consent, and soon her cheeks were flushed, her starry eyes slightly narrowed, like a soft jade lying beneath Zhu Chuanzong. Seeing that the time was right, Zhu Chuanzong rubbed his hard, iron-like penis against her vulva, ready to insert it.

Suddenly, a scream rang out. The two stopped and turned to see Princess Chang Le standing at the door, covering her mouth with one hand, her eyes wide, her expression very strange. After a moment, she lowered her head and turned to leave.

Shui Ling'er, blushing deeply, pushed Zhu Chuanzong off the bed, scolding, "It's all your fault!"

She quickly dressed and chased after him.

Zhu Chuanzong's lust vanished instantly. He sat blankly on the edge of the bed for a while, a sudden sense of panic rising within him. He thought, "Will Xi'er be angry with me? I really offended her this time."

After a while, seeing no one return, he had no choice but to put on his clothes. When he reached the door of Xue Jinxian's room, he heard voices inside. Judging from the sounds, all four women were there. Zhu Chuanzong stood there for a long time, too embarrassed to go in, and went back to his own room to sleep.

After that, Princess Chang Le was listless every day, as if something was on her mind. She rarely spoke to anyone and didn't suggest going out for fun. Sometimes her eyes were red, with traces of tears. Zhu Chuanzong was extremely anxious, but after asking her several times, Princess Chang Le simply ignored him and turned away. Zhu Chuanzong was at a loss.

After that night, Shui Ling'er refused to let Zhu Chuanzong touch her again. Zhu Chuanzong was preoccupied with Princess Chang Le's situation and didn't care much about her, even his desire to seek companionship from Xue Jinxian and Consort Mei had diminished considerably. Others have witnessed his affair with Princess Chang Le, but there's nothing anyone can do to help him with this; he has to rely on himself.

After dinner that day, Zhu Chuanzong felt somewhat troubled and went for a walk in the courtyard. As he walked, he seemed to hear someone speaking. Looking closely, he saw Princess Chang Le standing under the moonlight, dressed in a white dress, her figure graceful and ethereal, as if she were about to ride the wind and fly away at any moment.

Zhu Chuanzong was mesmerized. He wanted to go over, but fearing that Princess Chang Le would avoid him again, he could only watch from afar.

She seemed quite melancholy, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, looking down at the moonlight. After a while, she suddenly sighed and softly recited: "A clear autumn dream by the fence, clouds and moon indistinguishable. Ascending to immortality is not like Zhuangzi's butterfly dream, but a recollection of Tao Yuanming's vow. When I wake, to whom can I confide my sorrow? Withered grass and cold smoke evoke endless feelings."

After reciting, she sighed again.

Zhu Chuanzong was now quite learned, and he could roughly understand the meaning of the poem. He heard her say in the poem that she did not want to ascend to the celestial realm to become an immortal, but only wanted to rekindle their past life's bond. He was overjoyed and couldn't help but walk up to her.

Princess Chang Le, gazing at the moon with melancholy, was unaware that her secret had been discovered—by none other than Zhu Chuanzong. Her face flushed, and she turned to leave. But Zhu Chuanzong grabbed her, saying, "Xi'er, you clearly love me, so why are you avoiding me?"

Princess Chang Le glanced at him, a look of hurt and resentment on her face, then lowered her head and remained silent.

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Did I say or do something wrong that offended you? If so, I apologize."

Princess Chang Le glanced at him again, opened her mouth, but her face flushed again, and she still remained silent.

Zhu Chuanzong's mind raced. He said, "I know! It must be because you saw me being intimate with Shui Ling'er that day, and that's why you're angry with me? Are you blaming me?"

Princess Chang Le finally couldn't help but say, "I didn't."

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Then why?"

Princess Chang Le hesitated for a long time before finally saying, "That day, in bed, were you... were you engaging in illicit relations?"

Her face turned as red as the evening glow.

Zhu Chuanzong thought to himself, "She really is angry about this."

However, hearing the pure and ethereal fairy shyly inquire about matters of the boudoir, he felt a peculiar emotion and nodded, "Yes."

Princess Chang Le blushed even more and whispered, "Does it have to be like this between husband and wife?"

Seeing her troubled expression, Zhu Chuanzong suddenly understood. It turned out that fairies like the Purple Silk Fairy, having cultivated for countless years, had long since abandoned worldly love. Even if she had feelings for Zhu Chuanzong, she valued spiritual pleasure more. In the eyes of immortals, the pleasures of mortals in bed were merely a low-level enjoyment; true love transcended ordinary lust. The Purple Silk Fairy was originally the most sacred fairy. Seeing Zhu Chuanzong and Shui Ling'er making love, she felt that this was not the love she wanted, and she was even more afraid that Zhu Chuanzong would ask her to do the same in the future. Therefore, it was not surprising that she was depressed.

Zhu Chuanzong smiled slightly and said, "Indeed, it is like this between mortal couples."

Princess Chang Le frowned, biting her red lips lightly, looking very troubled. Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "But we are a divine couple, so it's naturally different."

The Purple-Veil Fairy was taken aback, and couldn't help but look up and ask, "What do you mean?"

Zhu Chuanzong said, "I only wish to fly wing to wing with you, to see your beauty every day, to hear your song; that is the greatest happiness in the world. You are incomparably sacred in my heart, how could I want to defile you? Don't worry, I love you for who you are, not for your body. If you don't want to, I won't force you."

Princess Chang Le was both surprised and delighted upon hearing this, but also felt indebted to Zhu Chuanzong, and said, "But..."

Zhu Chuanzong said softly, "No need to say anything. Your heart is my heart."

The two looked at each other and smiled, feeling their deep affection unspoken.

Princess Chang Le's worries vanished, her face breaking into a smile, her eyes like autumn water, her lips like sorrowful beans. Zhu Chuanzong was mesmerized by her beauty, and suddenly felt a pang of regret. He felt it was a shame to merely admire such exquisite beauty. He couldn't help but say, "But there's a certain flavor you might also like."

Princess Chang Le asked, "What?"

Zhu Chuanzong replied, "This."

Before she could react, he had already embraced her slender waist and captured her luscious red lips with his own. The Purple-Veil Fairy initially resisted, but quickly became engrossed, their tongues entwined in a passionate embrace. Zhu Chuanzong found her mouth sweet and fragrant, like a spring of sweet water, soothing and refreshing. He couldn't help but suck on her tongue, kissing her until she was panting heavily, her face flushed, before finally releasing her.

Princess Chang Le, panting, said, "You lustful little fairy, you broke the heavenly rules for this very reason, and you still show no remorse."

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "Don't you like this feeling? Didn't you come with me?"

The two gazed at each other tenderly for a long time, then couldn't help but kiss.

More than ten days passed quickly, and they finally arrived in the territory of Beijiang Province. This was the province bordering the Great Liang Kingdom and the Western Liao Kingdom, where Wang Dingkun's army was stationed.

That day, they passed through a small town called Huangsha Town. This town had about a hundred households. Because it was close to the border and located in a remote area, it wasn't very prosperous. Every family raised cattle and horses, making a living by herding.

They found a small restaurant, had lunch, rested for a while, and were about to continue their journey when suddenly there was a great commotion in the street. Someone shouted, "Quick, hide! The Western Liao people are coming!"

Zhu Chuanzong's carriage had already reached the town entrance. Seeing this, he felt a little strange, so he stopped an old man to ask him something. The old man, pale with fright, said, "You don't know, because our area is close to the Western Liao Kingdom, small groups of Western Liao troops often sneak over to rob. If they're lucky, they'll just steal some cattle, horses, and money and leave; if they're unlucky, they might even kill and burn. You'd better run, or you'll be dead if they catch you."

Shui Ling'er, upon hearing this, angrily said, "These Western Liao people are truly despicable! No, I can't let them bully the people like this!"

Saying this, she drew her sword to go down. The other women were also very angry.

Zhu Chuanzong thought for a moment and said, "I don't know how many Western Liao troops have come. Who will protect you weak women? Let's go first."

He picked up the carriage and drove away.

Although the women were unwilling, they knew he was right and had no choice. Only Princess Chang Le, the most innocent and soft-hearted, peered into the town and said, "Are we just going to leave these people alone?"

Zhu Chuanzong didn't answer, but just drove the carriage.

After a while, the Purple-Veil Fairy couldn't help but ask again, "I've heard that the Western Liao people are extremely cruel. I wonder how they will deal with these people?"

Zhu Chuanzong remained silent, focused on their journey. The other women, seeing this, also fell silent. Princess Chang Le sighed in disappointment, staring blankly in the direction of the town. Just then, she vaguely saw a small group of Western Liao people riding into the town, causing chaos and cries for help.

Princess Chang Le couldn't bear to watch any longer. She sat back in the carriage, tears welling in her eyes. As her sisters tried to comfort her, Zhu Chuanzong drove the carriage into the woods by the roadside, saying, "Ling'er, protect your three sisters well. I'll be right back."

He then untied a horse from the carriage and galloped towards the town.

The women stared in astonishment at his retreating figure, Princess Chang Le's tearful eyes filled with disbelief.

In the distance, they saw Zhu Chuanzong arrive in the town and begin fighting with the Western Liao people. Shui Ling'er was worried and was about to go help when suddenly many people poured out of the houses, carrying all sorts of weapons—sticks, kitchen knives, pickaxes—surrounding the dozen or so Western Liao men and swarming them, killing them all in no time.

The women returned to the town. At this moment, the townspeople rushed out, surrounding Zhu Chuanzong, their faces full of reverence.

Originally, this group of Western Liao people numbered only about ten, while the town had several hundred people, so there was nothing to fear. However, the people were unarmed and afraid of the Western Liao people's reputation for brutality, so they dared not resist. Fortunately, Zhu Chuanzong intervened, and the people finally had the courage to come out and protect their homes.

The people were extremely grateful to Zhu Chuanzong and his companions, treating them like their second parents, and were incredibly enthusiastic. After lingering for another half day, the group finally managed to say goodbye and continue on their way.

Princess Chang Le stared at Zhu Chuanzong for a long time, then smiled sweetly and said, "I thought you would abandon them."

Zhu Chuanzong smiled and said, "I couldn't bear to see my darlings sad!"

Princess Chang Le felt a sweet warmth in her heart, thinking, "He risked his life for me."

In fact, given Zhu Chuanzong's personality, even without Princess Chang Le by his side, he would definitely have intervened if he saw something like this, but now he was happy that she misunderstood, so he didn't explain, and was truly pleased with himself.

The other women also looked at Zhu Chuanzong with tender affection, feeling that having such a heroic husband was a blessing from heaven. They showered him with care and attention, allowing him to enjoy several days of tenderness, which need not be elaborated upon.

After traveling for another two days, they finally saw a magnificent pass in the distance. Jingshan Pass, where Wang Dingkun was stationed, had finally arrived.

A sentry had already gone in to report, but because Zhu Chuanzong was still a wanted criminal, Wang Dingkun dared not make a scene and secretly sent someone to bring the carriage into the military camp. When they arrived at his headquarters, Wang Dingkun, along with Sun Hu, Zhou Yi, Wu Siyuan, and some of his men, came out to greet him, embracing Zhu Chuanzong and laughing loudly, "Brother, you've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you so long!"

Zhu Chuanzong smiled and said, "Seeing that my brother's army is strong and well-equipped, great things are sure to be accomplished!"

Everyone laughed heartily. At this moment, Consort Mei and Princess Chang Le also alighted from the carriage. Upon hearing the princess's identity, Wang Dingkun was greatly surprised and hurriedly knelt down to pay his respects.

After respectfully escorting the women to the backyard and settling them in, Wang Dingkun praised the princess for her loyalty. He had long known about the princess's relationship with Zhu Chuanzong, but because Zhu Chuanzong had committed a crime and was captured three days before their wedding, the marriage was not possible. Now, the dignified Princess Chang Le, of noble birth, unparalleled beauty, and possessing unparalleled medical skills, was willing to be with the down-on-his-luck Zhu Chuanzong, and didn't care about the many beautiful women around him—it was simply unbelievable. Everyone looked at Zhu Chuanzong with envy.

Wang Dingkun sighed, "Brother, I truly admire you. I only knew you were adept at navigating the officialdom, but I never imagined you were so successful in love as well. I admire you, I admire you."

Sun Hu laughed, "Yes, each one is like a fairy in a painting. I, Old Sun, have never seen one so beautiful in my life, and today I saw four at once! This is all thanks to Lord Zhu. Lord Zhu is truly blessed!"

Everyone nodded repeatedly, full of envy. Zhu Chuanzong thought to himself, "If you knew that even Consort Mei is one of my people, and the little prince is my son, wouldn't you be green with envy!"

Yet he feigned humility.

Wu Siyuan, stroking his beard, chuckled, "Now our chances of winning the rebellion are much greater."

The others, puzzled, asked for his opinion.

Wu Siyuan explained, "Originally, we only had a secret edict, which others were only half-convinced of. If Pang Laixiao refused to acknowledge it, there was nothing we could do. Now, Consort Mei, with the little prince and Princess Chang Le, are all members of the royal family, making our actions far more legitimate."

The crowd was overjoyed, their morale soaring. They were all eager to march on the capital. Wu Siyuan smiled, "The time is not yet ripe. Everyone, please be patient and wait a few more days."

Wu Siyuan was a man of deep thought. Since persuading Wang Dingkun, he had begun preparing for the rebellion. Although Wang Dingkun had an army of 100,000, it was still far inferior to Pang Laixiao's forces. Moreover, not all of his soldiers were necessarily willing to follow them in rebellion, so he carefully planned and devised several strategies.

Because Pang Laixiao distrusted Wang Dingkun, he sent a trusted confidant surnamed Liu to Jingshan Pass as a military supervisor, specifically to monitor Wang Dingkun's movements. Wang Dingkun's training of troops and the forging of weapons could not escape his notice. Therefore, Wu Siyuan came up with an idea: to release many chickens, ducks, and livestock around the military camp, constantly driving them away to create noise, thus masking the sounds of the training. He also sent a large amount of gold and silver to Supervisor Liu, who, with money to be made, naturally turned a blind eye. Therefore, no news of Wang Dingkun's training reached Pang Laixiao's ears.

Supervisor Liu was unaware that the money he received was originally the soldiers' pay. While sending him money, Wu Siyuan also spread rumors in the army that Supervisor Liu had embezzled the funds allocated by the court. Liu, the military supervisor, was one of Pang Laixiao's men. The soldiers, deprived of their pay, hated Liu intensely, and naturally, this hatred extended to Pang Laixiao.

Wu Siyuan then spread rumors among the officers that Pang Laixiao intended to deal with Wang Dingkun, stripping him of his military power and replacing all the officers with his confidants. Most of these officers were promoted by Wang Dingkun and understood the principle of "when the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken"—if Wang Dingkun fell, they would all suffer the same fate. Therefore, they all expressed their support for Wang Dingkun and were extremely dissatisfied with Pang Laixiao.

These strategies were highly effective; now, everyone was united and the soldiers fought with utmost loyalty.

Three days after Zhu Chuanzong's arrival, his four servants also came with several hundred men to join him. The addition of four powerful generals naturally brought another round of celebration.

A dozen days later, the opportunity finally arrived. Pang Laixiao, in the emperor's name, issued an edict promoting Wang Dingkun to Minister of War, ordering him to immediately go to the capital to assume office, with Liu acting as Wang Dingkun's military supervisor. The news sparked outrage.

Following Wu Siyuan's plan, Wang Dingkun feigned compliance with the imperial decree, inviting Supervisor Liu to the camp to hand over command. He had a hundred axemen lying in ambush behind the commander's tent. Supervisor Liu, unaware of the trap, followed him into the tent and read the imperial edict.

After he finished reading, Wang Dingkun sneered, saying, "How strange! I also received an imperial edict, but it's different from yours!"

He then produced a secret edict. Sensing danger, Supervisor Liu tried to flee, but at Wang Dingkun's command, the axemen swarmed him and bound him tightly.

Wang Dingkun then beat the drums, assembled his troops in the drill ground, and publicly read the imperial edict, listing dozens of crimes committed by Pang Laixiao and declaring his intention to execute the traitor Pang and purge the court of corrupt officials. One hundred thousand soldiers roared in unison, their momentum overwhelming. They immediately split into two groups, with Wang Dingkun as commander-in-chief, Zhu Chuanzong as supervisor, and Wu Siyuan as strategist, leading the generals and a vanguard of 30,000 men to set off first. The remaining 70,000, under Zhou Yi's command, would remain at Jingshan Pass, to be redeployed

as needed. A cannon blast rang out, and the army marched on. Poor Supervisor Liu's dream was shattered; his head was chopped off and used as a sacrifice

to the flag. Zhu Chuanzong, clad in armor, rode a tall horse, exuding an imposing aura. He had once been a high-ranking official, surrounded by a retinue of followers, and possessed considerable authority, but compared to the sheer force of an army

, he was no match. As he rode, seeing the fluttering banners and gleaming armor of the soldiers, he felt an overwhelming sense of power, and his confidence in eliminating Pang Laixiao grew. His four servants, all dressed as generals, followed closely behind. From the moment they set off, their mouths were constantly agape in a wide grin. It turned out they had all been appointed as lieutenant generals, each commanding several hundred men. They were practically generals now, how could they not be beaming?

Wang Daniu exclaimed, "My goodness! I, Daniu, am actually a general? Am I dreaming?"

Zhao Laosi laughed, "Brother Wang, don't worry, how could this be fake? Our young master is a dignified military supervisor, commanding thousands of troops. Appointing you as a lieutenant general is nothing! Promotion and wealth will be a piece of cake in the future. Don't make such a fuss, you'll embarrass our young master!"

Qian Laoliu said, "Laosi, you're only talking about others, you yourself have been laughing for ages!"

Zhao Laosi said, "What do you know? I'm not laughing because I've become a general, but because I can work under the young master again. When we left the capital, I said I wanted to become a bandit king, and you were all hesitant and afraid. See? You listened to me, didn't you? If we hadn't become bandits, would we have met the young master? If we didn't have hundreds of brothers under our command, would we have become generals right away?"

Qian Laoliu was a little embarrassed and said repeatedly, "That's right, that's right."

Zhang Laowu said, "Fourth Brother is indeed an educated man; he's truly a genius."

Zhao Laosi said, "What am I? Our young master is the one who's a genius. A little over a month ago, he was being chased by government troops, and in just a few days, he led 100,000 soldiers. Can an ordinary person do that? I told you long ago, following the young master is definitely the right thing to do. Whatever the young master tells us to do, we'll do. Would the young master ever mistreat us?"

Wang Daniu and the others nodded in agreement.

Zhu Chuanzong vaguely overheard a few words, smiled slightly, and felt a touch of smugness. But he couldn't help but regret not bringing the women with him, letting them witness the might of their husband commanding the army. Before setting off, Zhu Chuanzong, worried about the dangers on the battlefield, had left the women at Jingshan Pass. Although they were reluctant to leave and wanted to go with him, seeing Zhu Chuanzong's resolute tone, they had no choice but to obey. Zhu Chuanzong recalled their tearful farewells, their soft words of advice, their gentle and moving faces vividly before his eyes, and he became lost in thought.

The four servants of the Zhu family, along with the soldiers beside him, had no idea what he was thinking. They only saw their supervisor lost in thought, a profound smile on his face, and they all guessed that their lord must be plotting some ingenious scheme. It was said that Lord Zhu was a celestial being descended to earth, possessing boundless wisdom; it seemed to be true indeed. Pang Laixiao, a treacherous minister, had actually dared to oppose Lord Zhu; he was truly courting death. Thinking of this, their gazes towards Zhu Chuanzong were filled with even greater reverence.

The army marched for a day and a night, arriving at dawn before a city called Zhenhai Pass. The city was high and the water deep, making it extremely strategically important. Within the pass were two generals, brothers: the elder named Shi Tian, wielding a pair of gleaming silver hammers, and the younger named Shi Shan, wielding a coiled dragon staff. Both possessed unparalleled bravery.

The Shi brothers guarded Zhenhai Pass, but because Wang Dingkun's Jingshan Pass stood in the way, the Western Liao and Northern Barbarians couldn't even enter Jingshan Pass, having been defeated by Wang Dingkun. Therefore, neither of them had the opportunity to earn merit.

Without military achievements, there was no promotion, and seeing Wang Dingkun's rank rise higher and higher over the years, both were consumed with envy.

Upon hearing their subordinates report that Wang Dingkun had rebelled and that his army was already at the city walls, the two brothers were not alarmed but delighted, laughing, "We were just worried that Wang Dingkun would steal all the credit, and now he's delivered it to our doorstep. If we capture him and send him to the capital, wouldn't that be a tremendous achievement? The position of Grand General of Weiyuan would be ours!"

They then ordered their men to open the gates and led a troop of men to the front lines.

Wang Dingkun shouted, "Generals, Pang Laixiao is corrupting the court and harbors rebellious intentions. We are here to defend the emperor by imperial decree; please let us pass."

Shi Tian sneered, "Wang Dingkun, you're just a bandit leader; how dare you oppose the Prime Minister? Just dismount and surrender; it'll save us trouble!"

Wang Dingkun was furious upon hearing this and ordered, "Generals, who will go to meet us?" The Shi brothers

challenged

the king to battle, speaking rudely. Wang Dingkun was enraged and asked his men who were willing to fight. Sun Hu rode forward and said, "This humble general requests to fight!"

Wang Dingkun, knowing his martial prowess, nodded and said, "Be careful!"

Sun Hu reached the front and shouted, "Which of you two will go first?"

Shi Shan asked, "Do you want a one-on-one fight or a group fight?"

Sun Hu was taken aback and said, "What one-on-one or group fight? What the hell is this?"

Shi Tian said, "A one-on-one fight means you fight both of us."

Shi Shan said, "A group fight means the two of us fight you."

Sun Hu was so angry his hair stood on end, and he cursed, "You two are shameless! Two against one and you still have the nerve to say that?"

The Shi brothers exchanged a glance and laughed loudly, "We brothers always fight together, everyone knows that. We didn't mean to take advantage of you!"

Sun Hu was furious. He roared, brandished his sword, and charged forward to fight the two.

The Shi brothers were truly skilled. Although Sun Hu was powerful, he could only hold his own against one of them. Now, fighting two against one, he was no match. After several dozen rounds, Shi Tian swung his hammer, and Sun Hu raised his sword to block. Shi Shan's large club swept down, and Sun Hu, unable to dodge, cried out and was knocked off his horse. Soldiers immediately rushed forward and bound him.

Wang Dingkun, seeing Sun Hu defeated and captured, was both anxious and furious. He asked, "Who will fight them and rescue General Sun?"

Zhao Laosi's eyes lit up; he felt his chance to earn merit had arrived. He whispered a few words to Wang Daniu and the others, then stepped forward to volunteer. Wang Dingkun agreed.

Zhu Chuanzong, worried that he was no match, was about to stop him. But then, Wang Daniu, Zhang Laowu, and Qian Laoliu followed Zhao Laosi, and the four of them rode out together. Zhu Chuanzong smiled, thinking, "That Zhao Laosi kid really has some cleverness."

The Shi brothers, seeing the four approaching, were taken aback. Shi Tian said, "Why are so many of you here? Who wants to fight?"

Wang Daniu laughed, "What a coincidence! We're used to fighting together, so four of us against the two of you is perfectly fair. We're not trying to take advantage of you."

Shi Tian was stunned. He wanted to curse them for being shameless, but then he thought, "Wouldn't that be insulting my own brothers?"

So he held back and brandished his weapons, charging towards Wang Daniu and his group.

Although Zhao Laosi was clever and had come up with a four-against-two strategy, he was still no match for the Shi brothers. It turned out that the Shi brothers had studied under a master since childhood and had learned a set of moves for two-person teamwork. Their hammers and clubs complemented each other, greatly increasing their power. Although the four servants of the Zhu family outnumbered him, they fought individually and haphazardly, so they were no match for him. In a short while, they were all knocked to the ground and dragged away.

Wang Dingkun's side suffered a setback, losing two battles in a row, and their morale plummeted. Seeing the Shi brothers' formidable strength, the generals were too frightened to engage in battle. Wang Dingkun asked several times, but received no response, and in a fit of anger, he insisted on going into battle himself. Zhu Chuanzong quickly said, "Brother, you are the commander-in-chief of the three armies, how can you risk your life? Let me go."

Wang Dingkun naturally refused. While they were arguing, suddenly a personal guard beside Zhu Chuanzong said, "They're just two clowns, why should the adults bother with them? Watch me capture them!"

Without waiting for Wang Dingkun's order, he shook the reins and charged off.

Hearing such a boastful tone from a mere personal guard, everyone was stunned. Zhu Chuanzong found it strange, thinking, "When did I get such a daring personal guard? I've never seen him before!"

But the voice sounded somewhat familiar. After looking closely for a moment, he was greatly surprised. The young guard, though dressed as an ordinary soldier, was slender, with snow-white skin, bright eyes, and white teeth—exquisitely beautiful—it was none other than Shui Ling'er, disguised as a man!

Zhu Chuanzong thought to himself that Shui Ling'er must want to go to war but was afraid he wouldn't allow it, so she had sneaked into his personal guard. He couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. Although he knew Shui Ling'er was highly skilled in martial arts, the Shi brothers were no pushovers either. Worried, he quickly focused his attention.

The Shi brothers had won two battles in a row and were feeling quite pleased with themselves. Suddenly, they saw a man approaching from the opposite side, carrying two swords. He was thin and delicate, and didn't even have armor, only wearing a soldier's uniform. After a moment of stunned silence, they burst into laughter. Shi Tian laughed, "What, is your general scared out of his wits? Sending a lowly soldier to make up the numbers!"

Shi Shan also laughed wildly, "And a rather pretty one at that, not even fully grown up yet, looks like a little girl. Why not capture him and let the brothers below who like that kind of thing have their fun?"

The two of them laughed again. Shui Ling'er wasn't annoyed and coldly replied, "That depends on whether you have the ability."

Having said that, he drew his twin swords and charged forward.

The Shi brothers, upon engaging Shui Ling'er, realized they had met their match. Shui Ling'er's twin swords flashed and darted, their movements exquisite and formidable. Although the Shi brothers were fighting two against one, and had combined attacks, they gradually found themselves at a disadvantage. After a while, both men were wounded and panting heavily. Seeing the situation was dire, they exchanged a glance and turned to flee. However, Shui Ling'er was

prepared. With a single swing of her twin swords, she knocked both men off their horses.

Wang Dingkun, seizing the opportunity, beat the drums to give the order, and his entire army launched an attack. The troops at Zhenhai Pass, seeing their commander fall, had already lost all morale and dared not resist. They crumbled and fled in disarray. Wang Dingkun's army seized the opportunity to storm into the city and capture Zhenhai Pass in one fell swoop.

In the chaos, Sun Hu and the four servants of the Zhu family were naturally rescued and escaped danger.

Shui Ling'er displayed remarkable skill on the battlefield, truly opening the eyes of the soldiers. Sun Hu was a renowned and fierce general in the army, and the four servants of the Zhu family were newly appointed lieutenants, so it wasn't surprising that they were leading the battle. However, it was quite strange that an unknown soldier had appeared and possessed such terrifying martial arts skills. The army buzzed with the news for a long time before they learned that the soldier was actually a personal guard of the supervising officer, Lord Zhu.

Everyone was even more astonished. If a mere personal guard of Lord Zhu was this powerful, wouldn't Lord Zhu himself be invincible? Upon further inquiry, they learned that Lord Zhu was none other than the renowned Zhu Qingtian, a legendary figure said to be a star incarnate. Unconsciously, Zhu Chuanzong's prestige in the army greatly increased, and those who had hesitated about raising an army finally felt reassured.

That evening, Wang Dingkun held a grand victory banquet in his tent. Zhu Chuanzong sat at the head of the table, being toasted by everyone in turn, but he always seemed somewhat absent-minded. Seeing this, Wu Siyuan smiled and said, "Sir, you seem to have something on your mind?"

Zhu Chuanzong was too embarrassed to admit that he was thinking of his beloved, and was about to offer some perfunctory words when Wang Dingkun winked and smiled, "Brother, you're probably thinking of that beautiful personal guard from today."

Seeing their knowing smiles, Zhu Chuanzong's heart skipped a beat. He immediately understood that the two of them must have known about Shui Ling'er all along. Otherwise, it would be impossible for a woman to disguise herself as a soldier, infiltrate the military camp, and even become the supervisor's personal guard without help.

He guessed correctly. Before the army set off, Shui Ling'er personally went to Wu Siyuan, expressing her desire to accompany the army.

Wu Siyuan immediately agreed and even specially arranged for her to join Zhu Chuanzong's personal guard. Wang Dingkun knew about this, assuming that Zhu Chuanzong was reluctant to part with his beautiful wife and wanted to keep her hidden away in the main tent, so he didn't pay much attention.

Wang Dingkun laughed heartily, "I've only ever seen how beautiful your wives are, brother, I never imagined they were so skilled in martial arts! You're truly blessed, brother. I see you're not really in the mood for drinking anymore, hurry back to your tent and go find your wives for some intimacy."

The two laughed again. Zhu Chuanzong sat for a while longer, then excused himself and left.

Upon reaching his tent, a guard reported that the soldier surnamed Shui who had fought during the day was inside. The guards, having witnessed his martial arts prowess, were all filled with admiration, but unaware of his relationship with Zhu Chuanzong, dared not stop him. Zhu Chuanzong was overjoyed and quickly walked into the tent. After a few steps, he remembered something and instructed the guards that the soldier surnamed Shui could enter at any time without prior notice.

Zhu Chuanzong entered the tent and saw Shui Ling'er, dressed in clean coarse cloth, wiping her sword under the lamp. The sword, reflecting the candlelight, cast a bluish glow that shone on Shui Ling'er's jade-like face, creating a dreamlike and enchanting scene.

Hearing footsteps, Shui Ling'er looked up and saw Zhu Chuanzong staring at her blankly. She couldn't help but laugh, "You're back! What are you daydreaming about?"

Zhu Chuanzong said, "I suddenly remembered a poem."

Shui Ling'er blinked, "Why are you writing poetry at a time like this? Besides, I wouldn't understand it."

Zhu Chuanzong smiled at her and recited, "A beauty like jade, a sword like a rainbow—isn't that describing Ling'er?"

Shui Ling'er blushed, "You're talking nonsense again."

But a sweet feeling welled up inside her.

Seeing the beauty's shy and reproachful expression, Zhu Chuanzong was even more captivated and grinned as he moved closer to Shui Ling'er.

Shui Ling'er wrinkled her nose, "You smell so strongly of alcohol! How much have you drunk?"

She took out a handkerchief, dipped it in the basin of water, and then, stepping on the ground, wiped the wine stains from Zhu Chuanzong's cheeks and mouth.

Zhu Chuanzong tilted his head as she wiped his face, staring at her rosy cheeks and her pursed red lips. He thought to himself, "Ling'er is chivalrous and skilled in martial arts. She's a chivalrous heroine on the outside, but who knew she also had a gentle side? However, only I can taste her gentleness."

After wiping for a while, Zhu Chuanzong felt a ticklish sensation from her gentle touch and couldn't help but grab Shui Ling'er's soft, cotton-like hand. Shui Ling'er was startled and whispered, "What are you doing? Let go!"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "You disguised yourself as a man and infiltrated the military camp, which is a serious violation of the law. I must punish you."

Shui Ling'er, seeing his expression, immediately understood what he meant by punishment. Her face flushed crimson, her eyes shimmering like water. She tried to pull away, saying, "I helped you win the battle today and made a contribution. At most, the merits and demerits will cancel each other out. You still want to punish me? Isn't that unfair?"

Zhu Chuanzong embraced her slender waist and laughed, "Then let's combine reward and punishment."

He then lifted Shui Ling'er by the waist and carried her to the bed. Under the lamplight, he saw a beauty with bright eyes and white teeth, eyes like autumn water, and skin so delicate it seemed a fairy had descended to earth. Removing her robe, her two jade-like breasts, like small doves, were easily grasped. Before he could look further, Shui Ling'er was overcome with shyness, let out a soft moan, and blew out the candle. The passionate lovemaking, the swirling waves of passion, need no further elaboration.

After a night of entanglement, at dawn, Shui Ling'er rose to wash and dress. Zhu Chuanzong said, "Ling'er, this military camp is crowded and noisy. Why don't you move into my main tent?"

Shui Ling'er's face, still flushed with desire, blushed again at his words, and she retorted, "Wasn't I mischievous enough last night? Want more… I won't come."

Zhu Chuanzong asked, "Then where will you stay? You won't be staying with those guards, will you?" He

was quite anxious.

Shui Ling'er chuckled at his anxious expression, "What are you thinking? Mr. Wu has already arranged a small tent for me, just me alone, and no one else is allowed near."

Only then was Zhu Chuanzong relieved. But looking at Shui Ling'er's beautiful face, he couldn't bear to part with her. After thinking for a while, he asked, "Could you show me your little tent?"

Shui Ling'er hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "It's not impossible for me to take you there, but you have to promise me that you won't come to my tent usually, and you won't reveal my identity. Just treat me as an ordinary personal guard. When I miss you, I will come to see you. Otherwise, even if you come looking for me, I won't see you. Can you promise me that?"

Zhu Chuanzong sighed inwardly, "Ling'er is still the same as before, she doesn't like being restrained. Why should I make things difficult for her?"

He immediately agreed. So the two went to Shui Ling'er's little tent. Zhu Chuanzong looked at it and saw that although the furnishings were simple, they were neat and clean. It wasn't too far from Zhu Chuanzong's own tent, so he felt relieved.

Zhu Chuanzong's army captured Zhenhai Pass, rested for two days, and continued towards the capital. After traveling for several days, they arrived at Haishan Pass, the first formidable pass in the Northern Frontier Province. The Great Liang Kingdom has three passes in the north: Jingshan Pass, guarded by Wang Dingkun; Zhenhai Pass, guarded by the Shi brothers; and Haishan Pass, which is right before us. Among them, Haishan Pass is the tallest and most majestic, with walls dozens of feet high, extremely dangerous, and truly impregnable.

The commander of Haishan Pass was named Fang Shouye, a man in his forties, known for his composure and steadiness. Originally a civil official, he lacked martial skills, but his expertise in military strategy earned him the position, making him a scholar-general. When Wang Dingkun's army arrived, he sent his men to probe the pass twice, only to be soundly defeated both times. Knowing he was outmatched, he closed the gates, raised a "no battle" sign, and adopted a defensive posture. Wang Dingkun attacked for several days, but due to the pass's strategic importance, he not only failed to capture it but also suffered heavy losses.

Frustrated, Wang Dingkun summoned his supervisor Zhu Chuanzong and strategist Wu Siyuan to his tent to discuss countermeasures.

After a moment's thought, Wu Siyuan offered a plan. He selected several dozen old, weak, and disabled soldiers, dressed them in tattered clothes, and had them run to the pass and shout insults. The insults were bizarre and varied, ranging from "Fang Shouye, you coward, why don't you hide in your mother's womb?" to "Fang Shouye, are you a woman in disguise, or a palace eunuch?" Each insult was more offensive than the last, enough to scare a living person to death and a dead person back to life. Dozens of men were divided into four groups, taking turns to hurl insults at each other all day long.

The soldiers in the city were furious and went to Fang Shouye to volunteer for battle. But Fang Shouye didn't take it to heart at all, smiling slightly and saying, "A mere provocation trick, you think you can fool me?"

He ordered his men to ignore them and continue hanging up the white flag of truce.

After several days of this, the soldiers' voices were hoarse, but still no one came out to meet the enemy. Wu Siyuan knew his plan had been exposed and had no choice but to give up.

Zhu Chuanzong had an idea and also came up with a plan. When he inspected the supplies, he noticed rat holes in the granary and thought it would be better if he secretly sent men to dig a tunnel so that the army could sneak into the city and catch the defenders off guard. He told Wang Dingkun and Wu Siyuan about the plan, and they both praised it. They

immediately followed the plan and sent soldiers to dig the tunnel. After digging for about ten days, they were almost inside the city and only needed two more days to complete the tunnel. Zhu Chuanzong and his men were overjoyed at the prospect of success.

But fate is unpredictable. A villager heard unusual noises coming from the well while drawing water and reported it to Fang Shouye. Fang Shouye immediately understood Zhu Chuanzong's plan. He decided to use a counter-plan, sending men to bury bamboo tubes in the ground to listen for underground sounds and locate the tunnel. When they were about to complete the tunnel, they suddenly lit a lot of mugwort and stuffed it into the tunnel from the exit, and then continuously poured water into the tunnel. The poor soldiers who dug the tunnels suffered greatly from smoke and water damage, with many dead and wounded, and the tunnels they had dug were washed away.

Wang Dingkun was furious and ordered his men to rush the construction of catapults and siege ladders, deciding to launch a direct attack on the city. Military strategy dictates that an attack should be three times the size of the defenders. Haishan Pass is easy to defend but difficult to attack; even if it were captured, the army's losses would be significant. Therefore, this was a poor strategy, and Wu Siyuan and Zhu Chuanzong disagreed. However, on the other hand, the military situation was urgent; the army had already been delayed at Haishan Pass for over twenty days. It seemed Pang Laixiao had received the news and was preparing to send troops to suppress the rebellion. The longer the delay, the more thoroughly Pang Laixiao could prepare; therefore, they had to cross the pass as soon as possible.

After much deliberation, they had no choice but to prepare for an attack.

That day, Zhu Chuanzong, having nothing to do, sat in his tent and picked up a military book to read. Although the military treatise contained many ingenious strategies, they were useless against the impasse at Haishan Pass. Zhu Chuanzong studied it for a long time without any clue, so he tossed the book aside and sat there in a daze.

Just then, someone pushed open the door and said, "Fool, what are you doing?"

Zhu Chuanzong heard Shui Ling'er's voice and looked up. She was still dressed as an ordinary soldier, her black hair tied back and covered with a headscarf, a long sword at her waist, her beautiful eyes sparkling, her smile charming, and her demeanor exuding a heroic spirit that was extremely captivating. Looking at her charming face, Zhu Chuanzong immediately forgot his annoyance and pretended to be serious, saying, "Where did you come from, you lowly soldier? How dare you trespass into my general's tent!"

Shui Ling'er retorted, "Since you don't welcome me, then I'll leave."

She turned around and pretended to leave. Zhu Chuanzong grabbed her delicate hand and laughed, "You said you'd only come when you wanted, and you wouldn't let me come looking for you, and I agreed. Now that you're here, you want to leave? You really don't respect me! You're not coming in or out today."

He put his arm around her slender waist and leaned over to kiss her jade-like cheek.

Shui Ling'er blushed as he kissed her and said, "Let go quickly. It's broad daylight; be careful someone sees us."

Zhu Chuanzong said, "Don't worry, I've already given orders that everyone except you must announce themselves before entering the tent."

Shui Ling'er felt a sweet warmth in his heart from the unspoken trust in his words and let him have his way. Zhu Chuanzong was overjoyed to see his beauty with him, and he reached in to caress her skin, then captured her small, fragrant tongue and savored it.

After a long period of intimacy, Shui Ling'er pushed Zhu Chuanzong away with difficulty, her face flushed. She lowered her head to straighten her clothes and sighed, "Is there such a frivolous general as you? No wonder you lost the battle."

Zhu Chuanzong laughed and said, "I'm not frivolous. I was just studying military books."

As he spoke, he picked up the military books next to him and showed them to Shui Ling'er.

Shui Ling'er flipped through the pages a few times and said, "Are you worried about the matter at Haishan Pass?"

Zhu Chuanzong nodded, and Shui Ling'er said, "I originally had a plan, but it's useless now."

Zhu Chuanzong was stunned and asked, "What plan do you have?"

Shui Ling'er gripped the sword at her waist and smiled, "Have you forgotten how we met? The walls of Haishan Pass are high, but they can't stop me."

Zhu Chuanzong suddenly realized, "You want to go into the city to assassinate Fang Shouye? No, absolutely not, it's too dangerous!"

Shui Ling'er laughed, "Even if you asked me to go now, I wouldn't. I've already secretly inquired with the local people. This Lord Fang Shouye is usually an honest and upright official who loves the people like his own children; he's a rare good official. I, Shui Ling'er, would never kill an honest official.

" Chuanzong nodded and said, "I've heard about that too. But it's precisely because Fang Shouye is a good official that it's so difficult. Good officials usually have real skills, and the soldiers and civilians are willing to serve them. Otherwise, how could Haishan Pass be so difficult to attack? But then again, when two armies clash, they should fight fair and square. Once the siege equipment is ready in a couple of days, and the army attacks, even if Fang Shouye is very capable, I'm afraid he won't be able to stop me."

Shui Ling'er stared at him blankly for a while, then smiled and said, "Silly boy, you're becoming more and more imposing, more and more like a great general."

Zhu Chuanzong puffed out his chest proudly and said, "Of course!"

Shui Ling'er couldn't help but roll her eyes at him and said, "In that case, I wonder how good the great general's martial arts are?"

Zhu Chuanzong was stunned and stammered, unable to speak. Although he was a half-immortal with immense strength and was difficult to harm by ordinary swords and knives, he had only ever studied books and had never learned martial arts. In terms of martial arts alone, he was probably not even as good as a common soldier. However, a thought flashed through his mind, and he smiled, "Although my martial arts skills are lacking, I have a powerful master right now. Since I have nothing else to do, why don't you teach me?"

Shui Ling'er said, "You've finally said something serious, otherwise why would I come to you?"

Zhu Chuanzong chuckled softly, "You could come to me for other things too. For example, a few days ago..."

Shui Ling'er blushed and said, "You're talking nonsense again. Quickly change your clothes and come with me outside the camp!"

Actually, Shui Ling'er had come today intending to teach Zhu Chuanzong martial arts. She knew the battlefield was extremely dangerous, and Zhu Chuanzong would eventually have to fight himself, so she decided to teach him some self-defense skills.

The two arrived at a deserted open space outside, and Shui Ling'er took out a coiled dragon staff that she had prepared beforehand.

Zhu Chuanzong looked somewhat dejected. Shui Ling'er asked him why, and Zhu Chuanzong said, "What's so interesting about using a stick? I think you use a sword beautifully, so why don't you teach me swordsmanship?"

Shui Ling'er glared at him and said, "You're really going to make me furious! Is fighting on the battlefield about showing off? I'm just a woman, small and weak, so I can only use a sword. How can a grown man like you use a sword?"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed, "I don't know! Alright, you teach me how to use the staff, and I'll learn the staff techniques."

Shui Ling'er finally smiled. She tied her hair up and tightened her clothes, saying, "I'll teach you three moves first, watch carefully."

Saying that, she raised the coiled dragon staff and began to dance.

The staff's shadow danced, and Shui Ling'er's slender figure flitted back and forth like a butterfly, a fragrant breeze blowing, it was extremely beautiful.

After she finished practicing the three moves, she took a breath and asked Zhu Chuanzong, "Did you see it clearly?"

But Zhu Chuanzong didn't say a word, he just stared at her blankly. After asking several times, he finally said in a daze, "Finished practicing? Beautiful, beautiful."

Shui Ling'er blushed and angrily scolded, "You idiot, do you think I'm dancing for you? I'm not teaching you anymore, go to the battlefield and die!"

Zhu Chuanzong hurriedly said, "Ling'er, it's my fault. You performed so beautifully that I couldn't help but get distracted. Please practice again, this time I will definitely learn seriously."

After pleading for a long time, Shui Ling'er finally calmed down and said, "Alright, I'll practice again. If you don't learn seriously this time, I won't care about you anymore."

Saying that, she picked up the stick and practiced again. Although she was highly skilled in martial arts, she was still a woman after all. That big stick weighed sixty pounds, and after several rounds, she was panting heavily, with a bead of sweat seeping from her temples.

This time, Zhu Chuanzong dared not get distracted again and stared intently.

As mentioned before, Zhu Chuanzong had a semi-immortal body and retained much of the wisdom of immortals. Therefore, he had a photographic memory for both literature and martial arts. Now he calmed down and watched Shui Ling'er's demonstration intently. Although he only watched it once, he learned it. His movements were powerful and impressive, and because of his strength, his technique was even more powerful than Shui Ling'er's.

Shui Ling'er's eyes widened. "I didn't expect you to be so smart! You learned it so quickly!"

Zhu Chuanzong laughed. "Actually, it's all thanks to the teacher's excellent instruction. I have a peculiar habit: I like learning from beautiful teachers. The prettier the teacher, the faster I learn."

He then began to move closer to Shui Ling'er with a grin.

Shui Ling'er took two steps back, her eyes darting around, and laughed. "The moves you learned today were the simplest. What's so great about them? Tomorrow I'll teach you the harder ones. If you learn them this quickly again, that'll be real skill. I'm tired, I need to go back and rest. You can continue practicing on your own."

Before Zhu Chuanzong could speak, she nimbly turned and ran back to the camp.

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