Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 103: Chapter 101: A Lesson

When Marquis Jianchi, Guo Huaisan, first saw Chu Zhiyuan, he didn’t think much of him.

Chu Zhiyuan had a reserved demeanor, calm and gentle, without any obvious sharpness. But after just a few words, Guo’s impression greatly changed.

He realized that this princely heir not only had an exceptionally high talent for cultivation but also was someone who didn’t tolerate any nonsense, and he couldn’t be treated the same as Chu Minghou.

His previously casual demeanor suddenly turned serious as he clasped his hands and said, "An honest man doesn’t speak in riddles. To be frank, I haven’t quite given up yet."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "The marquis might be disappointed. My little sister is still young; she’s not ready for marriage in the next two or three years."

"Youth is not an issue. We can get engaged first and marry a few years later." Guo Huaisan chuckled, "Just like your engagement to the young lady from Duke An Mansion, wasn’t it decided long before?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head with a smile, "That is different."

"Oh? How so?"

"Both of us are not getting any younger," Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "We can’t delay any longer. But my little sister is different; she’s still young and there’s no rush."

He wanted to straightforwardly point out, just what status does the son of Marquis Jianchi hold compared to the young lady of Duke An.

This Marquis Jianchi was quite audacious and shameless.

In front of the other Eight Dukes’ Mansions, he wouldn’t even dare to propose a marriage.

This is taking advantage of Prince Qing Mansion’s weakened position.

He cursed in his heart but did not voice it, as his rationality stopped him.

It was odd for Marquis Jianchi to come directly with a proposal; everything about it was peculiar.

In such circumstances, emotions should not dictate actions, and one should not vent emotions or speak rashly.

"Princely Heir..." Guo Huaisan chuckled, "In fact, you think that my son is not worthy of the Commandery Princess, don’t you?"

Chu Zhiyuan evaded the question and smiled, "Guo Marquis, you earned your title for military achievements in the Northern Territory, right?"

"In fact, I also think it’s a bit lacking, but I believe I can rise to another level, allowing my son to inherit a marquis title as well."

"Is it that easy to earn merits in the Northern Territory? Is it so easy to obtain a marquis title?"

"We are currently allied with Da Zhen, and Da Meng is bound to lose. Winning favorable battles is the easiest way to earn military merits."

"...Indeed."

"In fact, I suggest the Princely Heir goes to the military in the Northern Territory, as now is the perfect time to pick merits, and your cultivation will rise rapidly along with your merits!"

"Thank you, Marquis, for your kindness." Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "It’s said that Da Meng also has unparalleled cavalry; how strong are they?"

"Da Meng’s Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry is formidable," Guo Huaisan said solemnly, "It should be no less than Da Zhen’s Lingshuang Iron Cavalry!"

"Has Marquis Guo also seen the prowess of the Lingshuang Iron Cavalry?"

"I haven’t, actually; I’ve always been in the Northern Territory and haven’t been to the Northwest Territory."

"That is indeed a shame, not having served under my tenth uncle." Chu Zhiyuan smiled.

"Yes, it is indeed a shame." Guo Huaisan slowly nodded.

The Tenth Prince Prince Ying was known as a war deity; he was an idol and chasing target of the entire Da Jing military.

He had not only lived incognito in the military since childhood, starting as a common soldier, but also possessed high tactical talent and was a genius in warfare.

On the battlefield, he had a unique talent to foresee danger in advance, avoiding threats, and striking at the weak points to win.

...

For the next hour, Chu Zhiyuan and Guo Huaisan talked about various aspects of the battlefield.

Guo Huaisan was exuberant, akin to Chu Minghou’s situation when Chu Zhiyuan first entered.

Not until Bai Ningshuang returned did Chu Zhiyuan apologize, mentioning he had something to attend to that afternoon and that he couldn’t delay his duties at the government office, so he wouldn’t keep the marquis for lunch.

After Guo Huaisan left with the scroll, Chu Zhiyuan glanced at Chu Minghou.

"Marquis Guo is excessively smooth."

Chu Minghou was compassionate and benevolent but also extremely intelligent and perceptive. He, of course, knew that Guo Huaisan came to propose marriage.

He naturally wouldn’t agree, but upon seeing the peculiar painting, he couldn’t resist taking a look and then became fascinated, losing track of time.

Guo Huaisan never brought up the matter of marriage, and so he couldn’t reject him directly.

Originally, he intended to explicitly refuse after viewing the painting, but before he could speak, Chu Zhiyuan returned.

Bai Ningshuang coldly sneered, "This man is really shameless, coming personally. Does he intend to forcibly marry Yi’er if we don’t agree?!"

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Forget it, mother, don’t stoop to his level; let’s eat first."

Bai Ningshuang’s anger hadn’t subsided, "I’m already full with anger! ...Prince, if he comes again, don’t entertain him!"

Chu Zhiyuan turned to Zou Fang, "Which faction does he belong to?"

"Princely Heir, he’s under Duke Kang Mansion."

"Duke Kang Mansion... Song Tianhai?"

"Exactly."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, then turned to Feng Xi, "Steward Feng, find someone to lure out Guo Marquis’s son and give him a lesson."

"Yes, Princely Heir." Feng Xi nodded solemnly, glancing at Chu Minghou and Bai Ningshuang.

Chu Minghou hurriedly said, "Yuan’er..."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Don’t reveal your identity and don’t be too harsh, just a superficial injury will do."

"Understood." Feng Xi nodded.

Bai Ningshuang hurriedly said, "Yuan’er, just kick him out of the mansion, why bother with his son?"

She felt it unnecessary to involve someone innocent.

After all, it was just a marriage proposal, not a kidnapping.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Without teaching him a lesson, everyone will think Prince Qing Mansion is easy to bully."

"Then why not just curse him away, or even kick him out?"

"The marquis earned his title through military achievements; enough respect should be maintained. If we threw him out or cursed him away, how would the military view it? ...Some might find his direct proposal abrupt, but more would see him as audacious, daring to cling to high branches with thick skin."

"...True." Bai Ningshuang snorted, unconvinced.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "They would all think it shouldn’t go to such lengths and wouldn’t care about how Guo Huaisan takes advantage after our refusal. They would simply see it as us being disrespectful to the marquis, someone who earned his title through military merits!"

This is killing without spilling blood.

Song Tianhai hasn’t realized such insidious tactics exist.

Without his instigation, a newly appointed marquis like Guo Huaisan wouldn’t have the guts for this.

The hereditary succession in the State Duke Mansion made their courage grow significantly, having reverence for some princes but none for the fallen ones.

Moreover, Song Tianhai was driven insane by infatuation.

People in their comfort often have the illusion that they got there by their own abilities, not realizing it’s largely due to luck, thus lacking reverence and appreciation, leading to an inflated ego.

The subsequent generations of the nobility are increasingly like this.

"Sigh..." Chu Minghou smiled wryly.

He really couldn’t fathom these twists and turns; seeing Chu Zhiyuan and Guo Huaisan chatting so amicably, he even thought they were getting along well.

He couldn’t help but say, "But Yuan’er, it’s quite exhausting for you."

Chu Zhiyuan waved with a smile, "Father, it’s not tiring, it’s quite interesting."

Super Sense made the struggle with others interesting.

Being able to perceive subtle expressions and emotional changes allowed insights into one’s heart, avoiding real threats and striking at weaknesses. This feeling was almost divine and enjoyable.

"Sigh..., you’re too hardworking; it’s our failure as parents." Chu Minghou sighed.

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "Father, being a princely heir is nothing short of fate that many cannot achieve even in eight lifetimes!"

Bai Ningshuang laughed out loud, nodding repeatedly.

Chu Minghou also couldn’t help but smile.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Don’t mention these things to little sister, so as not to upset her. Let’s have a meal."

"Yes, meal time!" Bai Ningshuang found her appetite again, "Steward Feng, call Yi’er for dinner."

"Yes!"

...

During the meal, she also spoke about the situation in the Imperial Palace.

This morning, two more concubines were sent to the Cold Palace, to keep company with Lady Zhen.

Afterwards, she patted her fair forehead, took out a jade token from her sleeve and handed it to Chu Zhiyuan, "This came from the Madam on behalf of the Emperor."

Chu Zhiyuan took a look and found it to be a Fifth Grade Merit Token.

"The madam said this is in recognition of your merits."

"Which merits?"

"That wasn’t specified in detail."

Chu Zhiyuan toyed with the Fifth Grade Merit Token, smiling from ear to ear.

Seeing him so pleased, Chu Minghou, Bai Ningshuang, and Chu Yi also felt delighted.