Chapter Seventy-Nine: Like the Grasshopper's Death
s beast. Staying at your mansion would be inconvenient."Jiang Wang also said, "We are all following Senior Brother Li Jianqiu this time. He arranged everything. Xiao Man, Xiaoyan, you guys don't have...The world's number one computing genius and the world's number one killing genius will join Yue Guo after Huang Wei Zhen returns. From then on, they will support Yue Guo and fight for the prosperity of its people. The condition is that Ren Qiu Li must let Yue Guo play a move on this chessboard!
Gong Zhiliang only learned about this deal today.
Since Gao Zheng's death, Wen Jingxiu had been the sole person in control of the entire Yue country. Several key high-ranking officials within the country, such as Gong Zhiliang, Zhou Sixun, and Bian Liang, only knew a portion of the bigger picture.
Every thread, every nuance, the weight of a thousand years and a nation rests on the emperor's shoulders.
In times of crisis, one must press forward. In matters of great importance, secrecy is essential. However, bearing the weight of the world alone, what a long and arduous journey lies ahead for the nation across the border!
Wen Jing's tiredness, hidden deep within her eyes and brows, only faintly showed when she was alone with Guo Chen.
Gong Zhiliang, a man of wisdom and prudence who had always been content with following the established rules, stood before the emperor. Though he seemed composed, his expression was far from relaxed: “Lu Shuanghe and Ren Qiuli are undoubtedly extraordinary individuals, their talents renowned throughout the land. Their service to Yue has brought great prosperity to the nation. However, I still harbor some concerns.”
He weighed his words carefully: “Firstly, are they truly sincere towards the Yue nation The fall of Nan Dou went unheard of. The Du E Peak changed allegiances, and they hid themselves deep within the Myriad Immortal Forest. When the Yue nation is in peril one day, will they be able to summon the Sword’s Cry Secondly, Qisha and Tianji, those who cut down Dou Zhao in an evil land, are the must-kill targets of the Chu nation. We obtain these two, and we shall face the sharp edge of a powerful Chu. This is both a disadvantage and an advantage; how do we weigh them Thirdly, Old Master Jiang… ah, the world’s current prodigy, his reputation surpasses all others, and he has great merit in the world. Every cultivator who walks the Path of Stars, every holder of the Tai Xu Xuan Zhang increases day by day, each remembering him. Even my nephew wrote to me about this man, expressing both respect and reverence towards him. He said that among his peers, everyone admires him. If the world knows that he died in Yue territory, then the Yue nation will become the enemy of all under heaven; how can their nation stand for long”
In the end, he knelt down and said: "Your Majesty, I consider myself just an ordinary person. To be called 'mediocre' throughout my life is also quite appropriate. I have always followed the governing ideas of Emperor Gaozong's era, step by step, not daring to have my own thoughts, always cautious, only hoping to avoid national mistakes. Your Majesty, what I say may not be well-spoken, and there may be disrespectful or inappropriate parts. You can choose not to listen. But as for my concern for the country, Your Majesty, please reconsider."
He bowed three times, his eyes wide and tears streaming down his face: “The esteemed lord is absent, and I, an old and foolish minister, do not know the right path. If the path ahead appears as dark and turbulent as you describe, with waves crashing endlessly, I don't know how to cross. Please allow me to use my own body as a stepping stone, to test the depth of the water. Do not gamble with the nation’s future like a game on a table. Otherwise, even in death, I will have regrets!”
Wen Jingxiu sighed and walked to Gong Zhiliang's side, kneeling down. She let the dragon robe pile on the ground, covered in dust.
He gently grasped Gong Zhiliang's arm: "Your Excellency, you speak so diplomatically, but I am struck dumb. From ancient times to the present, a country without honest ministers is bound to perish. Reading through history books, every last emperor was mad. The last emperor of Changguo, after reading through secret family scrolls, declared 'loyal to the country'. He angrily summoned the maritime army and said 'for the ancestral temple'. Yang Jiande's lineage stood up from the remnants of Old Changguo, declining for generations. They defied heaven's order, practiced dark magic, and eventually became the last emperor, forgotten by all. I, the emperor of Yueguo, am a perfectly peaceful ruler. Yet, I joined hands with Tianji the Immortal to plot against members of Taixu Pavilion. It seems like I’m throwing medicine at random when desperate, ignoring everything else. There is also a resemblance to an incompetent last emperor!"
Gong Zhiliang hurriedly raised his eyes: "I have no intention of blaming Your Majesty—"
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Wen Jingxiu patted him, interrupting his explanation: "Your Majesty's sincerity, I am well aware of it. Since the sword was raised, throughout the country, everyone remained silent, all following Your Majesty's will. Therefore, the rise and fall of the nation, the success and failure of affairs, all fall upon me. Even after Gao Xiang left, someone could still speak to me like this, pointing out my shortcomings and helping me improve, I am deeply grateful!"
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Gong Zhiliang just gave an option: he stands up as the foreign minister of Yue, takes responsibility for the scheme with Ren Qiu'li, and saves Jiang Wang.
But for major national affairs, there is no reason to hastily turn around and make up for it halfway through. The result of being timid at the beginning and end will inevitably lead to losing both ends. Besides, even though Gong Zhiliang is a prime minister, how could he possibly make such a decision and bear the responsibility
Wen Jingxiu simply grabbed Gong Zhiliang's hand and sat down with him: "The Minister of State said that his talents were mediocre. Back then, during the imperial guards' horse race, the Qiantang sword test, and the Southern Palace debate, you also excelled in all! You have hidden your talents for the country and diligently served the state affairs. How could I not feel compassion"
The imperial hunts, the Qian Tang sword test, and the Nan Dian discourse were all additional selection procedures for officials. They were measures taken by Gao Zheng in the past when local powerful families dominated the official examinations. These measures allowed the monarch to bypass the barriers set up by these families and personally witness talented individuals.
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The old man before us, with tears streaming down his face, was once full of vigor and charm, striding through the streets of Kuaiji City adorned with flowers.
Time has taken away too much youthful exuberance.
Wen Jing said: "You are no ordinary minister, but I, Emperor Wen, am just a ruler who adheres to tradition. For so many years, thanks to the guidance of Prime Minister Gao, I have been able to endure the torment of being trapped in bed with powerful Chu. I have always been cautious and introspective, striving only for 'no mistakes'. But, Prime Minister, Gao is gone, the fierce fangs of mighty Chu are now exposed, poised to swallow Southern Dou any day! How long can I hold on alone Today's situation in Yue is a dilemma – advance and you die, retreat and you die. Why not advance"
He shook his head again: "You have seen my children; none of them are capable. Some are terrified like rabbits, and some would rather draw their swords and attack the capital immediately... they are no better than I am. I have ruled for a hundred years, but to this day, I have achieved nothing. If the mountains and rivers were stable, even inaction would be complete. But now that Gao Xiang has died, the mountains and rivers are in danger, and there is turmoil! Our national foundation hangs precariously in the mouth of the mighty Chu. In this era, facing unprecedented changes, it is both dangerous and an opportunity. If I continue to close my eyes and do nothing, I can only be like a cicada, dying without knowing the passing seasons!"
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Gong Zhiliang said: "Your Majesty's suffering, the old minister knows well, only to regret that his talents are meager and he cannot share your worries! Fortunately, Gao Xiang has pity on the country and, for this desperate battle, left a legacy..."
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“It is precisely because Gao Xiang has a flaw!” Wen Jingxiu declared resolutely: “I entrusted the world to Gao Xiang. Even if I die, I have no doubts. If Gao Xiang loses this game, then I will nothing but be buried with my country, drowning in Qian Tang. But if Gao Xiang wins this game, the phoenix will come and shelter Yue State like a tree sheltered by the heavens. Then Chu E can be solved, Qisha and Tianji can become the blades of Yue. With Jiang Wang's death, Qisha will be established as the leader of the path. At that time, one Transcendent Being, one True Monarch, and one with the strongest calculating ability… How could they not divide Xianlin and establish themselves in Nan Yu You are a good minister, considering the situation as a whole. I am the ruler of my country, and I must consider the future generations and the long-term interests of the country.”
Wen Jing's plan was all about what would happen after Huang Wei truly returned!
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This was something Gong Zhiliang hadn't expected—he had been racking his brains, thinking about how Yueguo could have a future.
Huang Wei, Lu Shuanghe, and Ren Qiuli all came to Yue. This is truly a wonderful sight, a future that the current situation in Yue cannot paint, no matter how hard it tries. Gong Zhliang never dared to dream of such a thing before! It's too perfect to be true.
He couldn't help but have a moment of dazed confusion.
But all of this about this beautiful dream has one huge premise - Huang Wei Zhen. Huang Wei Zhen hasn't returned yet, and hasn't stated her stance.
Can today's new policies in Yue Guo really usher in the phoenix
Does Gaozheng truly understand Huang Wei
After returning, is Huang Wei really still the same Huang Wei from before Does she still hold onto her ideals from back then
Gong Zhiliang had the utmost trust in Gao Zheng, and he decisively stepped onto this gamble. But as he stumbled to his current position, he couldn't help but become apprehensive.
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He sighed, "Though Bo Lu is strong, I fear he cannot benefit the country."
"Beru" was an extremely famous genius in the history of Yue. He emerged during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Yue. At that time, there was a saying that he was "a divine talent sent from heaven to assist a wise ruler." People once regarded him as a great auspicious sign for the prosperity of Yue.
To be addressed as "rui" throughout history is rare. Either one possesses great talent or immense fortune.
But before the passing of Emperor Taizu, he had once said to Emperor Taizong a phrase just like what Gong Zhiliang spoke now: “Although Berlu is strong, he might not be beneficial to the country.”
King Taizong of Yue was in almost every way superior to King Taizu. This is a historical consensus. But he lost out in his ability to recognize people, specifically in the person of "Berlu".
>King Yue Taizong highly valued Bo Lu, nurturing him with all his nation's resources and even personally escorting him on his journey, hoping he would become a pillar of the state. However, Bo Lu ultimately fled under the cover of darkness for spiritual reasons, defecting to Yan State and even leading his troops to confront Yue State.
Later, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty disguised himself and left the country. He personally took action and killed the evil water demon.
History has surged and ebbed, the Yan state is long gone, and Beru's name is rarely known. But past events serve as a warning for the future. They can still be a lesson.
Of course Wen Jingxiu understood Gong Zhiliang's advice and said earnestly, "Transcendence is beyond measure. As for how Huáng Wéi truly returns and what happens afterwards, Gao Xiang can only do his best and await fate. I too will face the outcome."
As for the likes of Seven Killing and Heavenly Secret, they are cold and heartless, with nothing outside themselves. They are incapable of having a country. When they need to cross borders, they stay in that land; when they don't need it, they abandon it just like they abandoned Nandou Hall. There's nothing we can't face here. We should simply try our best to fulfill their needs. Before Chu State surrounded Mount Du, Seven Killing and Heavenly Secret were also true disciples of Nandou, responsible for Nandou affairs. Isn't that enough
We do not pin our hopes on them for life and death. We only need them to strengthen the country during peacetime. The stronger they become, the less they will feel the need to leave. Right now, the two of them need a foothold in this world, and Yue Guo can provide just that. This gives us a reason to trade—still, as I said, if Gao Xiang Yi Ju fails, it's death either way. If Gao Xiang Yi Ju succeeds, I have already staked everything on the table. Why not try to win more
Gong Zhiliang said: "Your Majesty wants to win in the future, but he's afraid of the present..."
Wen Jing said, "The time of Shenxiao is upon us. All parties should be on guard. The hegemon state must bear the weight of the world, especially refrain from rash actions. Our only chance lies now. If Huang Wei truly wants to return, she will inevitably do so before the opening of the Shenxiao world - that's why Gao Xiang chose to retire at this time. Jing Guo and Qin Guo have both expressed their support for us, and Shushan has even sent Elder Yan to deter Chu Guo. The old grievances of Nandou Dian must not be repeated in Yue."
"Your Majesty, I have something to say," Gong Zhiliang said earnestly, "Song Tianshi's statement regarding you is not the same as Jing Guo's declaration towards Yue Guo. Similarly, Vansen's statement toward you is not equivalent to Qin Guo's stance on Yue Guo."
“Of course. Private statements and public declarations are two different things.” Wen Jingxiu let out a soft sigh: “Gao Xiang’s retreat at the peak of his power, abandoning officialdom to seek true understanding, aroused sympathy for our Yue country, allowing it to maintain its strength for centuries. Gao Xiang’s death led Chen Pu to intervene and Yan Sheng to descend from the mountains, causing Chu to curb its ruthlessness. Our small and weak nation walks every step with blood on its hands. To have Jing and Qin openly declare their stances, what else must our Yue country achieve What else can we offer”
Gong Zhiliang raised his head, his eyelids trembling slightly.
At this moment, within the imperial palace of Yue Guo, a sudden roar erupted, like the bellow of a dragon and the shriek of a tiger, reverberating incessantly.
"Wen Jingxiu! Come greet this official!"
Wen Jingxiu suddenly stood up!
“It came sooner than I expected. And faster than I’d hoped.” He kept a good control over his expression, letting out a light chuckle.
The emperor of Yue gazed at the dragon robe on his body and adjusted his towering crown before stepping grandly into the hall.
Gong Zhi sighed, his voice trembling. He struggled to stand, but only managed to slump back down. His body felt drained of all strength. The man who had arrived was none other than the Duke of Huai in the State of Chu, Zuo Xiao!
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Jiang Wang appeared in Fuzhi City, saving Bai Yu Xia after which he vanished again. This all happened within a day.
When the national defense was activated, things were uncertain and chaotic. Even with border closures and difficulty in transmitting information, news still reached the ears of Duke Huai.
From this, it can be seen that facing a powerful neighbor like the Chu state, the secrets of Yue state were indeed limited. Wen Jingxiu was deeply involved in everything, holding the overall situation in his grasp. He only revealed part of the truth to any high-level officials, which was indeed a last resort. He himself didn't know who he could completely trust and dared not place his hopes on others.
The Great National Defense Formation was a giant dome, inverting the mountains and rivers of Yue.
Zu Xiao was in plain clothes, but his bearing remained imposing. He stood with his arms crossed high, the full moon behind him completely obscured, leaving only a halo of light.
Wen Jingxiu stepped out of the palace, even flying out of the country-protecting formation, and came before Zuo Xiao, facing him under the night sky.
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For a moment, a smile bloomed on his face as he bowed and said, “Chu and Yue are like two sides of the same river, sharing water, and our friendship between the two nations has been long-standing… Yet, you rarely visit. Now you come at night, in such haste, I wonder what important matter requires your guidance”
Zuo Xia looked at him with a calm face, then glanced at the running national defense array behind him, and said softly: "Jumping out of the formation is like a general taking off his armor, a brave man taking off his clothes. The emperor is very bold. Is this going to fight for his life"
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Wen Jingxiu smiled innocently and kindly, seemingly not understanding what was said. He merely replied, “You are the Duke of Bajing, and I am the rightful emperor. The national system is the current trend. Although we are not on the same ship, we are on the same river, already entangled together, sharing both prosperity and advancement. With your protection here, how could I fear evil spirits Where would I have the chance to risk my life”
Zuo Xiao waved his hand: "Your Majesty is busy with state affairs and has little free time. This official won't waste your time—where is Jiang Wang"
“Grand Master Jiang” Wen Jingxiu first doubted then sighed, “I was also looking for him!”
He furrowed his brows and said, "Something urgent happened in the country last night, so I had to personally quell it. I don't know when Elder Jiang from Yue came. He didn't give any prior notice and offered no explanation afterward. He just appeared suddenly, gave our country some suggestions, and then left without a word - such a whirlwind figure, appearing and disappearing like lightning, leaving behind only a sudden downpour. But Yue is just a small place, and I'm quite timid, really not able to withstand this kind of shock. General Zuo, if you happen to see him, could you please persuade him"
“We don't need to say much more.” Zuo Xiao stood up a hand, blocking Wen Jingxiu's way: “I'll just say this—it's now the ugly hour. Before he came, the cooks in the house had already started making soup and cooked lunch. When he gets back, he can eat it. Whether you want my family's meals to get cold while you wait, is up to you.”
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(The End) move they made was elegant and aristocratic."But a friend of Chongxuan's" He smiled before speaking: "I saw you and Chongxuan together outside. My name is Tian Yong."“Jiang Wang.” Jiang Wang maintain...