Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 389: Chapter 386 Next in Line

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Li Hongzhao leisurely put down the book and looked at Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan saw the book she was reading, which was ”Three Dynasties Ancient and Modern Descriptions” written by a famous scholar of Da Zhen, Zhou Jichang.

It discusses why Da Meng, Da Jing, and Da Zhen cannot coexist and why the wars never cease.

The analysis is quite profound, but the insights are not as deep.

Da Jing and Da Zhen originate from the same source, a fraternal dispute, whereas Da Meng and Da Jing and Da Zhen are different. The endless wars are not only due to old grudges or interests, but involve deeper layers.

It involves a clash of two civilizations.

Having read this thin volume, Chu Zhiyuan deeply agreed.

However, the book somewhat exaggerates by disregarding many complex factors and magnifying one particular factor.

The perspective is rather extreme.

Chu Zhiyuan asked, ”Do you think what this book says makes sense?”

”Somewhat.” Li Hongzhao lightly frowned: ”Seemingly plausible yet highly provocative.”

Chu Zhiyuan smiled at her beautiful face.

Li Hongzhao snorted, ”This Zhou, his motives are questionable.”

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”Many people have read this book; it is widely circulated in Da Jing. Almost everyone concerned with court politics has a copy.”

Li Hongzhao remarked, ”It’s as if he fears Da Meng and Da Jing and Da Zhen aren’t fighting fiercely enough.”

Chu Zhiyuan responded, ”At least what he says about Da Jing and Da Zhen is quite accurate.”

Li Hongzhao snorted, ”Between Da Meng and Da Jing, it’s a battle of civilizations, a war rooted in origins, while Da Jing and Da Zhen’s quarrel is as ridiculous as brothers fighting.”

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, watching her.

Li Hongzhao stated, ”In the end, it’s just a conflict of interests; what’s so superior about that?”

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, ”We always need a reasonable excuse for the on-off relationship between us and Da Zhen, one that both peoples can accept.”

Li Hongzhao spoke a truth in a single sentence.

At the end of the day, it’s all about interests; this talk of brothers fighting is merely a beautified saying.

It’s true that Da Jing and Da Zhen share cultural roots, with not much difference in customs, unlike the stark contrast with Da Meng.

But cultural roots or not, different customs or similar, none of that matters when it comes to interests.

Concerning interests, even brothers, or father and son, can fight to the death.

The relationship between Da Jing and Da Zhen completely depends on Da Meng’s rise and fall.

When Da Meng flourishes, Da Jing and Da Zhen unite; when Da Meng declines, Da Jing and Da Zhen separate, fighting viciously.

The normal thought is that when Da Meng declines, Da Jing and Da Zhen should unite and, taking the opportunity, eliminate Da Meng to share in its spoils.

But that’s impossible in practice.

Firstly, the cost is too high.

Secondly, the mutual vigilance makes it impossible to work together sincerely.

Thirdly, once Da Meng is defeated, there will be no buffer between the two dynasties, leading to perpetual war, fighting to the death, with only one side surviving.

Neither side has the advantage, let alone the necessity.

When that situation arises, who knows how many civilians would die, and the power of the Emperor’s Sword would be significantly weakened.

Li Hongzhao looked at him with bright eyes filled with laughter.

Chu Zhiyuan looked at her quizzically.

Li Hongzhao smiled, ”Have you heard the news outside?”

”What?”

”The news that the Eighteenth Princess looks down on you and would rather die than marry you.”

”Utterly boring.” Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, ”Someone is trying to stir up trouble. Let it be.”

”Don’t you want to refute the rumors?”

”Refute what?” Chu Zhiyuan said, ”That’s basically the truth.”

”Tsk tsk...” Li Hongzhao laughed charmingly, ”Aren’t you the least bit angry? Considering how condescending they are, don’t you want to retaliate?”

Chu Zhiyuan looked at her speechlessly, ”Was it you who did this?”

”I haven’t even had time to react.” Li Hongzhao said, ”This move is indeed brilliant. I’ve learned something.”

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”If it really was you, then be prepared to lose some spies.”

Li Hongzhao snorted, ”Such rumors are impossible to trace.”

She waved her jade-like hand.

One by one, dossiers and boxes were moved onto the stone table in the pavilion.

There were six document boxes in total.

Chu Zhiyuan stared at these document boxes, smiling, ”Don’t underestimate the Military Suppression Department.”

The Military Suppression Department has very tight control over the Inner City in Yujing.

Each hall and courtyard divides the Inner City into small areas.

They are well-informed about every area.

Yujing City may seem bustling, with a constant flow of people entering the city,

but the population movement within the Inner City follows a pattern and occurs within specific areas.

Other places remain relatively stable.

Therefore, the Military Suppression Department’s control over Yujing City is very strong; if they really wanted to investigate.

Even if the rumor-monger escaped unscathed, they could still get a general idea.

But Chu Zhiyuan was reluctant to get entangled in this matter.

The more you cling to it, the more memorable it becomes; if you treat it lightly, people shift their attention quickly.

Such royal rumors are innumerable; today’s this, tomorrow’s that, always something to grab attention.

Li Hongzhao snorted, ”Don’t you think the timing of the rumor is strange?”

”Strange about what?”

”I always feel something is amiss.”

”Does it seem like Wentian Cliff’s method?”

”...Not quite.” Li Hongzhao thought for a moment, shaking her head, ”Wentian Cliff wouldn’t stoop to such lowly means, nor would they disdain to use it.”

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, ”Wentian Cliff has its own arrogance.”

”Arrogance reaching the sky.” Li Hongzhao snorted, ”They see all people as chess pieces without a second thought.”

”Including the Emperor?” Chu Zhiyuan asked.

Li Hongzhao hesitated, eventually nodding lightly, ”Including the Emperor.”

Chu Zhiyuan pointed at the seven document boxes, ”Is this all?”

”Already quite a lot.” Li Hongzhao snorted, ”Information from Wentian Cliff is extremely hard to gather.”

Chu Zhiyuan nodded, saying no more, and eagerly started reading.

He flipped through the dossiers at an incredible speed, as if casually skimming rather than carefully reading.

In reality, through the Insight of Super Sense, he could imprint everything into his brain at a glance.

He could later reflect on it slowly and ponder.

Li Hongzhao lightly frowned at Chu Zhiyuan, realizing his reading speed was astonishing, felt a shiver in her heart.

She would never believe Chu Zhiyuan was just flipping through them for show.

Such an astonishing speed in handling documents is a remarkable talent.

The speed and capability in handling documents determine the range of power.

Especially if he becomes the Emperor, it would be critical.

The court’s affairs compete with cultivation for time; time is limited—more time on court affairs means less for cultivation.

At his speed, it truly wouldn’t delay cultivation.

While Chu Zhiyuan was still reading, the food was already served at the table.

Chu Zhiyuan continued to read while eating the dishes.

Li Hongzhao elegantly ate her meal, her red lips gently chewing gracefully and attractively.

After Chu Zhiyuan finished reading the dossiers and filled his stomach, he contentedly raised his wine cup and drank it all in one go, then put it down with a smile and said, ”Truly worthy of being the number one spies of Da Meng!”

These dossiers contain far more detailed and comprehensive records than the Inspection Department.

In terms of intelligence gathering, the Inspection Department indeed falls short of Da Meng.

From this intelligence, one can deduce how Da Meng’s spies are arranged inversely.

This is something the Inspection Department needs to learn from and strive to improve.

After reading these, he gained a more comprehensive understanding of Wentian Cliff.

Chu Zhiyuan looked at Li Hongzhao, ”Is Gao Jiuqu’s identity really so important?”

”Once he reaches the level of Great Grandmaster, he will succeed to the position of Cliff Master.” Li Hongzhao solemnly stated.

Chu Zhiyuan pondered.

Li Hongzhao snorted, ”Look down on him?”

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”I’m just thinking, with his temperament, is he really suitable to be the Cliff Master?”

”Do you think Wentian Cliff’s Cliff Master is adept at scheming?” Li Hongzhao laughed.

Chu Zhiyuan sighed, ”My vision is indeed too narrow.”

Li Hongzhao said, ”Now you understand, Wentian Cliff follows open schemes, no need for conspiracies.”

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