Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 392: Chapter 389 Imperial Decree

Chu Zhiyuan walked alone on the bustling street.

The lively crowd around him was like a flowing river, while his guards were like rocks, splitting the crowd.

He strolled leisurely, contemplating the recent conversation with Gao Jiuqu.

A gentleman should be honest; for someone like Gao Jiuqu, the best approach is sincerity, rather than playing tricks or being cunning.

Gao Jiuqu seemed to harbor no animosity towards him, or perhaps the Cliff Master saw him this way and did not mention it.

Or perhaps he had not yet been involved in the affairs of Wentian Cliff, focusing solely on cultivation.

In any case, building a good relationship now can only bring benefits in the future without any downsides.

Dealing with Wentian Cliff is different from dealing with the Evil Sect.

Dealing with the Evil Sect demands total annihilation.

Dealing with Wentian Cliff, much like dealing with Da Zhen, requires a strategy of containment without destruction.

One does not seek to erase the opponent, just to suppress them.

Observing a Grandmaster Perfection breakthrough to Great Grandmaster is crucial for himself, as it is key to his breakthrough to Great Grandmaster.

First, he must understand how to transform and realize his path to move forward smoothly.

Gao Jiuqu and Chu Mingrui were both excellent subjects for insight.

Regrettably, Chu Mingrui was in the Northern Territory and couldn’t return to allow him insight.

Gao Jiuqu was the best target. Through insight, Gao Jiuqu’s essence qi and spirit showed no change.

He remained no different than when he first arrived.

Maintaining this state, it was almost impossible to break through to Great Grandmaster.

Should he try to lend a helping hand?

First, it would create a favorable relationship; second, he could clearly observe the process and changes from Grandmaster to Great Grandmaster.

If he did not lend a hand, Gao Jiuqu mentioned that his master would continue as Cliff Master, possibly even dying in that position.

In such a case, Wentian Cliff would be leaderless, with its position vacant, possibly causing upheaval at Wentian Cliff.

Could it lead to the collapse of Wentian Cliff?

Or have a fatal impact on Da Zhen?

These thoughts jumbled in his mind, with several ideas each pondering.

Moments later, he reached the Martial Arts Hall and saw the ten people there this time.

The debates at court had finally ceased.

The changes and tug-of-war in between were intensely fierce.

Various factions participated energetically, contending intensely and appearing evenly matched.

They roughly divided into two factions.

One side consisted of military nobles, primarily the Eight Dukes’ Mansions.

The other was the six ministries, led by the Ministry of Rites.

Behind the Ministry of Rites were the Martial Arts Sects, the Four Great Sects, and the Flying Flower Sword Sect.

At times, it was said that the Military Suppression Department had eight people and the army had two. Other times, it was said the army had eight and the Military Suppression Department had two.

Then it was the Military Suppression Department with six and the army four, or seven to three.

Or the Military Suppression Department had four and the army six, or three to seven.

The final result was an even split.

Five from the army and five from the Military Suppression Department.

The Martial Arts Hall was not large; he entered the Martial Arts Training Ground, immediately providing insight to each person, then advising on each cultivation’s heart technique, sequence, and timing, instructing carefully.

Then he left directly.

The Martial Arts Hall to him was just a stop by; he didn’t prioritize it.

He showed no signs of closeness or warmth, not even a hint of winning people over.

He performed his duties as if it were merely official business, like an officer sitting in the Ministry of Rites.

After explaining, he left to return to the Prince Mansion to continue his practice.

The Glazed Blade Scripture was at a critical moment, and he couldn’t stop, wishing to cultivate every moment.

——

Chu Zhiyuan sat on the couch, concentrating on his sword intent, suddenly sensing something, and called out, ”Mr. Zhu.”

Zhu Caifu appeared at the window in a flash, clad in a light blue and simple gauze robe, looking at him with a somber expression.

Chu Zhiyuan clasped his fists, ”Mr. Zhu.”

Zhu Caifu appeared inside the room in a flash.

Chu Zhiyuan asked, ”What’s happened?”

”An envoy came from the palace, carrying the Emperor’s decree, reprimanding Miaozhen’s decree.”

Chu Zhiyuan’s brows furrowed: ”It seems word has already reached that side?”

”Of course, news like this would have been received on the same day.”

”Does the Emperor of Da Zhen intend to continue the marriage alliance?”

”Undoubtedly.”

”... Has the Emperor of Da Zhen received the news of Her Highness’s suicide?”

”He should have received it as well, but the decree has already been issued, although it’s uncertain if a second decree will come.”

”...” Chu Zhiyuan pondered.

”Once this decree is issued, it will be difficult to amend,” Zhu Caifu said anxiously, ”The Emperor cannot revoke his orders at will; sometimes even if they are wrong, he must swallow his pride.”

Chu Zhiyuan contemplated, ”Your Highness need not worry, one hand cannot clap alone.”

”I fear if news passes between the two emperors, then knowing Miaozhen’s deceit, they might force her to marry out of anger.”

”...It’s unlikely.” Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, ”There is still room to maneuver.”

Zhu Caifu’s expression remained somber, anxiously stating, ”The decree has arrived, it’s very difficult to change.”

She clenched her teeth, ”This decree from the Emperor rebukes Miaozhen for being reckless and insists she must consider the millions of citizens of Da Zhen.”

As she spoke, she sneered, ”Considering millions, why don’t those millions consider Miaozhen?”

Chu Zhiyuan frowned.

It seemed that Gao Jiuqu’s envoy was delivering the Da Zhen Emperor’s reprimanding decree.

The Da Zhen Emperor must think Cheng Miaozhen is being frivolous, capricious, and wilful, showing a princess’s temper.

Chu Zhiyuan understood her anxiety; it seemed all their previous efforts had been in vain, mere bubbles waiting to burst.

Zhu Caifu said, ”If the Emperor of Da Jing colludes with him, then forcibly makes you marry, can you refuse?”

Chu Zhiyuan nodded, ”I will refuse, ...the rumors spreading in the city can be used as an excuse to refuse.”

”...That’s reasonable too,” Zhu Caifu smiled suddenly, ”I didn’t expect these rumors to be quite useful.”

Chu Zhiyuan said with a smile, ”Mr. Zhu, you overthink; Miaozhen shouldn’t worry. Matters haven’t reached the worst, my Imperial Grandfather would not act thusly.”

Zhu Caifu snorted, ”Who can guess the thoughts of an Emperor?”

Chu Zhiyuan said with a smile, ”The Emperor of Da Zhen may force His Highness, but my Imperial Grandfather would not.”

”Hopefully, there’s still time,” Zhu Caifu sighed.

Chu Zhiyuan was about to speak when suddenly Zou Fang reported from outside, ”Princely Heir, Director Huang is here with the decree.”

Chu Zhiyuan looked at Zhu Caifu.

Zhu Caifu waved a hand, ”Go receive the decree first.”

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, ”Then Mr. Zhu, please don’t leave yet; my Imperial Grandfather’s decree should relate to this matter.”

”Alright,” Zhu Caifu replied.

Chu Zhiyuan stepped outside.

Huang Cheng, accompanied by two red-robed eunuchs, was in the front hall, currently being entertained with tea by Feng Xi.

Seeing Chu Zhiyuan approach, Huang Cheng clasped his fists and chuckled, ”Congratulations, Princely Heir.”

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, ”What joy is there?”

His gaze was already fixed on the red-robed eunuch holding a sandalwood tray.

The tray was covered with golden silk, signifying its importance.

Huang Cheng unveiled the golden silk, held the imperial decree with both hands, and presented it to Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan received it with both hands, slowly unfolding it, and then smiled, ”My Imperial Grandfather is wise!”

Huang Cheng smiled, ”The Emperor is indeed wise. Princely Heir, this servant will take his leave now. Please proceed to the Four Directions Pavilion to announce the decree to the Da Zhen’s Eighteenth Princess.”

”Leave it to me.”

Chu Zhiyuan clasped his fists in farewell.