Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 294: Chapter 291: Bestowal of Rewards

Li Hongzhao bit her red lips, her bright eyes flickering, particularly alluring and captivating.

Chu Zhiyuan, however, remained calm, smiling as he said, ”Unfortunately, you are not the Emperor, so your words don’t carry much weight.”

”...What will it take for you to believe?”

”I don’t know either.” Chu Zhiyuan laughed, ”If it were you in my place, would you believe Da Meng’s promise?”

”...I can have Da Meng withdraw their troops right now.” Li Hongzhao’s bright eyes burned as she stared at Chu Zhiyuan, ”How about that?”

Chu Zhiyuan pondered.

Seeing that he seemed tempted, Li Hongzhao hurriedly said, ”This can be considered some sincerity, but we also have a condition.”

”Let’s hear it.”

”Experts from Da Meng’s Martial Arts should also join the Martial Arts Hall.”

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, ”Aren’t you asking me to hand over the secret method?”

Li Hongzhao snorted, ”Who knows if handing over the secret method will be effective or not?”

Just like martial arts, even if one knows the mental method, not everyone can practice it.

Chu Zhiyuan’s understanding is exceptionally strong, rare in the world. The secret he mentions is likely not something others can grasp.

Even if told, it might not be useful.

Instead of that, it would be better to have him directly instruct.

Da Meng’s goal is not to have this secret in their possession, but to maintain the current balance of power.

Once this point is clear, there is no need to insist on his so-called secret.

This can be slowly studied and reversed through the breakthroughs of these disciples.

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, ”Then let them withdraw the troops first and have Da Meng send a diplomatic mission over to discuss. The specific conditions should be negotiated with the Court; I’m just a princely heir after all.”

The high officials of the Court, in terms of martial arts understanding, might not match himself, but they are far better at handling such matters.

What I can think of is peace talks; as for what else to do and how to prevent Da Meng from going back on their words, I have no idea for the time being.

It’s still necessary to rely on the wisdom of these high officials of the Court.

Li Hongzhao said solemnly, ”Alright, I will withdraw Da Meng’s troops first and then send a diplomatic mission over.”

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, ”Your Highness, I admire you.”

Being able to make such a decisive move is indeed uncommon.

Li Hongzhao said, ”But I also need a proof, to show you truly have the ability and aren’t just deceiving us.”

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head with a smile, ”If you don’t believe it, then forget it, no need for proof.”

Li Hongzhao gave him a sideways glance, ”You say you can push from Innate Perfection to Grandmaster in ten days, do you think Da Meng will believe that? ...To save some words, why not first send two with Innate Perfection into becoming Grandmasters?”

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head with a smile.

”Chu Zhiyuan, you’re so stingy!” Li Hongzhao snorted, ”Even if the negotiation fails, two Grandmasters won’t make much of a difference!”

”I have a small outlook, can’t help it.” Chu Zhiyuan directly silenced her.

He knew Li Hongzhao was about to say: too small-minded.

”It is indeed too small-minded!” Li Hongzhao snorted, ”With such a vision, how can you compete for the imperial throne?”

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, ”Compete for what imperial throne!”

”Stop pretending!” Li Hongzhao snorted, ”What are you pretending for in front of me! ...We both know each other.”

Chu Zhiyuan waved his hand with a smile, ”Your Highness is unfathomable, I’m not as competent.”

Li Hongzhao gave him a sidelong glance, charming and enchanting.

Chu Zhiyuan lowered his eyes to drink tea, pretending he couldn’t withstand her beauty.

As her cultivation improved, she became more enchanting and glamorous, too dazzling to look at directly.

This Phoenix Cry Nine Heavens Technique indeed has unique mysteries.

With his Super Sense, calm like a deity, how could he be easily disturbed?

Only by opening his heart could Xiao Ruoling enter; without opening his heart, beauty was useless to him.

Li Hongzhao snorted, ”Originally, your achievements were far inferior to Prince Ying, but now it’s different, you’re on par with Prince Ying, and next, let’s see when you step into the Great Grandmaster.”

Prince Ying’s martial exploits were illustrious, repelling foreign invasions.

But Chu Zhiyuan’s move has strengthened the martial arts of Da Jing and also the Da Jing Court. His achievements for Da Jing might not be less than Prince Ying’s.

Even surpassing.

After all, the battle honors are not solely Prince Ying’s, but Chu Zhiyuan alone changed Da Jing’s power.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, ”It’s too early to say these things, who can predict the future, pardon me for not seeing you off.”

He lifted the tea again.

Li Hongzhao snorted, ”Alright, then I’m leaving!”

She rose with a flair, her graceful figure swaying away.

——

”Sigh...” Bai Ningshuang let out a long sigh.

She slowly sat down, rubbed her cheek, and glared at Chu Zhiyuan reproachfully.

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, ”What have I done?”

Chu Yi stepped forward to support Bai Ningshuang, gently pounding her shoulders and waist, ”Mother, speak quickly.”

”My face has gone numb from smiling today.” Bai Ningshuang said irritably, ”Just nothing but fake smiles.”

”Is big brother in trouble?” Chu Yi’s eyes gleamed.

Li Suyue also sat aside, keeping her head down without speaking.

Chu Minghou laughed, ”Is it for the Martial Arts Hall issue?”

Bai Ningshuang snorted, ”What else could it be!”

Chu Minghou shook his head and laughed, ”It’s the same for me, being pestered constantly, everyone comes up to get close, as if I’ve suddenly turned into silver, everyone likes it.”

Bai Ningshuang said, ”So am I, every princess invited me over for a chat, I couldn’t refuse, had to meet one after another.”

”Mother, what did these princesses say?”

”Just some household conversation.”

”Didn’t they plead for big brother’s help?”

”How could these princesses be so anxious?” Bai Ningshuang said irritably, ”Even if they wanted to plead, they wouldn’t say it outright, much less directly.”

These princesses have great skill, even if they didn’t understand initially, years in the palace taught them well.

Of course, they wouldn’t rush to say such things and would first pull closer before slowly bringing it up.

”Big brother is really popular now, hehe.” Chu Yi’s eyes glittered.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, ”This isn’t a good thing.”

Chu Minghou said, ”They don’t think, if Yuan’er breaks the rule, how much trouble would there be? If Yuan’er really does that, who will still respect the regulations of the Court?”

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, ”Father, don’t worry.”

He knew Chu Minghou was subtly reminding him.

He mustn’t break the rules, or the trouble would be endless, not just socially but also the Court’s anger.

Chu Minghou laughed, ”You naturally understand the implications.”

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”If no human feelings are allowed, there will be complaints.”

Bai Ningshuang snorted, ”Let them complain, those who don’t understand are unnecessary to interact with.”

Chu Minghou said, ”I’ll inform Father to issue an order, if you break the rules, there will be severe punishment.”

Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

This is indeed the safest way.

Just then, Feng Xi announced from outside; Huang Cheng had arrived.

Chu Zhiyuan’s spirits lifted.

Huang Cheng must be bringing the Emperor’s decree.

Soon, Huang Cheng entered the front hall, accompanied by two middle-aged eunuchs in red.

Chu Zhiyuan stepped forward and cupped his fists in welcome.

Huang Cheng chuckled, ”Prince, Princely Heir, Princess, Commandery Princess, this servant brings good news.”

Chu Zhiyuan asked, ”What decree does Imperial Grandfather have?”

Huang Cheng chuckled as he took the Imperial Decree covered with gold silk from a sandalwood tray, ”It’s for the Princess.”

Bai Ningshuang was startled, ”For me—?”

Chu Zhiyuan opened the decree, handed it to Bai Ningshuang with a smile, ”Congratulations, Mother.”

Bai Ningshuang took it, and soon said with surprise, ”I was granted an estate.”

Huang Cheng smiled, ”And a reward for Lord Bai.”

Bai Ningshuang’s bright eyes showed more astonishment.

”The Emperor said Princely Heir achieved so much, surely it’s because of the Princess’s teachings; naturally, there should be a reward.”

Bai Ningshuang pursed her lips and smiled sweetly, ”Father is wise.”