Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 809: Chapter 805: Proposal

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, ”If it’s too difficult for you, Third Brother, then let it be. As a Prince of Yujing and an official of the Court, it’s indeed not appropriate for me.”

He could guess Li Cunhou’s thoughts but was indifferent.

Coming to the Phoenix Dynasty, the most he could rely on was Li Miaotan.

If he had to abandon Li Miaotan and act on his own, that would be seeking trouble.

As a Prince in the Phoenix Imperial City, he was not useful at all; rather than being helpful, he was an impediment.

”Hehe...” Li Cunhou laughed with a stiff smile.

He thought Chu Zhiyuan was quite hypocritical.

If he really thought that way, why did he say this after his younger sister had spoken?

He could have interrupted his younger sister’s words earlier.

Li Miaotan said, ”If one has achieved merit, then there should be rewards. This is a fundamental principle. Just because my husband is a Prince Consort, should he not be rewarded? Next time, should Third Brother achieve merit, does that mean the same for you?”

”Father wouldn’t, would he?”

”How could one not find an excuse?” Li Miaotan said, ”And if we don’t contend for ourselves, others will gladly watch us as a joke.”

”But the identity of the brother-in-law is too sensitive.”

”So what?” Li Miaotan said, ”Doesn’t Father have the grand ambition to swallow the four seas and eight directions? How could he be so wary just because of my husband’s identity? It’s so petty!”

Chu Zhiyuan sighed inwardly.

Wasn’t this scolding the Third Prince for being petty?

But looking at the Third Prince’s expression, he seemed accustomed to it without any reaction.

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”Madam, this is also human nature. After all, when two dynasties are at war, if I am in a high position, confidentiality can’t be assured, and it might affect victory or defeat.”

”There are many positions in the Six Ministries of the Court that don’t involve the Military Department,” Li Miaotan said.

Li Cunhou agreed, ”What Third Sister said is correct; there are many positions in the Court that don’t involve the Military Department.”

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”If Third Brother seeks rewards like this, won’t the people of Eldest Brother and Second Brother certainly block it?”

”That’s for sure,” Li Cunhou said. ”What I can think of, Eldest Brother and Second Brother can think of too. They will definitely use this argument to obstruct.”

”Then how should we respond?” Chu Zhiyuan asked.

Li Cunhou said, ”Eldest Brother and Second Brother have their people, and so do we. We will argue with them, just like what I told my younger sister. Father, who understands great righteousness, will most likely agree.”

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”What if even the Emperor has some concerns?”

”Then there’s nothing that can be done,” Li Cunhou said helplessly. ”After all, it ultimately depends on Father’s decision, and we cannot pressure him.”

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”If Young Marquis Ming kills a hundred Demon Clan experts in one day, what reward would there be?”

”At least another rank up,” Li Cunhou said, ”and being granted a thousand households and territories.”

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”Then what grade is my position as Prince Consort?”

”The rank of Prince Consort is a Fifth Grade honorary title, merely entitled to a salary without real power. Advancing one rank would only put you as a County Son or a Scattered Horse Attendant, which is useless.”

For them, honorary titles are useless; no one lacks those salaries. What matters are power and influence.

Without power and influence, having only a salary is meaningless; who needs that food to eat?

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”Then directly propose an Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Imperial Stables or a Lieutenant Colonel.”

Li Cunhou immediately widened his eyes, scrutinizing Chu Zhiyuan from top to bottom.

He felt Chu Zhiyuan was either drunk, speaking nonsense, or daydreaming.

How could these positions possibly go to a Prince Consort?

Especially to Prince Yujing as this Prince Consort?

Li Miaotan’s eyes twinkled brightly, and she chuckled, ”This is a good idea.”

Li Cunhou glared at Li Miaotan.

Thinking this couple must be quite sick, both came down with it.

Li Miaotan playfully said, ”Are you cursing us, Third Brother?”

Li Cunhou quickly waved his hand, avoiding her gaze.

Li Miaotan snorted, ”Asking for a high position, they’re definitely going to stop it. Asking for a lower one, if they still don’t agree, then lower it even more; if they still don’t agree, it would be quite disgraceful.”

Li Cunhou shook his head, ”Will this tactic work? Father has sharp insight and won’t be deceived.”

A high aim achieves middling results.

This basic tactic can’t escape Father’s eyes and might even anger him.

His most important experience in dealing with the Emperor is honesty.

Speak frankly, don’t play tricks, and don’t cheat.

Otherwise, it would only infuriate the Emperor.

He secretly thought that the couple’s tricks would surely be seen through by Father.

Ultimately, it might end up with nothing.

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”This isn’t directed at the Emperor but at Eldest Prince and Second Prince.”

”Hmm... shall we try it?”

”Third Brother, you should brief them first, don’t get caught off guard in Court and be left in shambles.”

”Naturally!” Li Cunhou said, ”I’ll get Zhao Bingzhong to make a trip.”

Li Miaotan smiled.

Li Cunhou quickly said, ”Let’s stop talking about this; let’s talk about cultivation. Has the Phoenix Bloodline been activated yet?”

When he mentioned this, his eyes sparkled, full of enthusiasm.

”It’s still a bit away.”

”It seems hopeful!”

”Yes, I’m sure the Phoenix Bloodline can be activated.”

”Hehe...” Li Cunhou couldn’t hide his smug smile, ”With the emergence of the Phoenix Bloodline, who in the world can rival you?!”

Chu Zhiyuan reflected thoughtfully.

Li Miaotan sighed, ”It’s not that easy.”

Li Cunhou spoke with excitement and vigor, ”Anyway, I’m waiting to see my younger sister become invincible in the world!”

Li Miaotan gently shook her head, ”Thorough activation isn’t that easy.”

Li Cunhou looked at Chu Zhiyuan, ”Does it depend on the brother-in-law? He’s not a Venerable yet?”

”His cultivation is sufficient, but it requires time, not something short-term.”

”It indeed makes one anxious; how long will it take?”

”Given the current situation, at least half a year.”

”Half a year is quick!”

”The Demon Clan and Demon Clan won’t just watch; they will certainly try to sabotage.”

”Humph, Demon Clan and Demon Clan!” Li Cunhou sneered, ”This time, with the grand wedding, we’ve nearly wiped them out.”

”They won’t give up.”

”Then continue wiping them out, kill as many as they come!”

Li Cunhou’s eyes flashed with cold light, exuding murderous intent.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head.

Li Cunhou glared at him, ”Does the brother-in-law think we can’t deal with them?”

”Such loss won’t be small,” Chu Zhiyuan said, ”I’m afraid it will lead to complaints and resentment against Madam.”

The Demon Clan and Demon Clan share a common trait, which is to fight desperately.

One can return to the Demon Abyss, dying as they die, while the other disregards life after a blood-rush to the head.

They regard humans as livestock, slaughtering at will after entering the Human World.

Moreover, they have secret techniques to enhance themselves by devouring human Essence Blood.

Li Cunhou paused, his face darkening, ”That is troubling.”

Then he said, ”In that case, speed up. If there are any beneficial methods, Spirit Pills or Strange Flowers and Fruits, feel free to suggest them. Father will certainly approve.”

”They won’t be of much use,” Li Miaotan said.

Once someone becomes a Venerable, the effects of Spirit Pills and Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures are greatly reduced.

”Then we just have to wait for half a year?” Li Cunhou sighed.

Li Miaotan said, ”That too is contingent upon everything going smoothly; any setbacks could extend the timeline indefinitely.”

”Otherwise, how about you two go cultivate in the Phoenix Palace?”

Li Miaotan chuckled.

”Now that the brother-in-law isn’t an outsider anymore, pleading with Father might result in entry to the Phoenix Palace.”

Li Miaotan said, ”Don’t bring up impossible matters, don’t let Father genuinely believe we are insatiably greedy.”

Li Cunhou said seriously, ”I think going to the Phoenix Palace is best.”

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”I can stay outside and help eradicate the Demon Clan and Demon Clan.”

The Phoenix Palace is akin to the Great Bright Peak, a sacred place for cultivation, also a Small Cave Heaven.

As an outsider, it’s impossible for him to enter.

Even if he could, he didn’t want to enter.

He was still hoping for the Demon Clan and Demon Clan to come and sacrifice themselves to aid his cultivation.