Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 115: Chapter 113: Paying a Visit

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"Your Highness?" Guo Chi asked, puzzled.

The four of them formed the Four Spirit Array, surrounding Chu Zhiyuan and Zou Fang as they were about to enter the mansion, but to their surprise, Chu Zhiyuan suddenly stopped.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Zou Fang, go inside and see if it is Duke Kang."

Zou Fang drifted into the Prince Mansion and quickly returned, nodding lightly, "Your Highness, it is indeed Duke Kang."

Chu Zhiyuan asked, "Is Duke Kang alone?"

"Yes," Zou Fang nodded.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled.

Guo Chi snorted, "Your Highness, they all say Duke Kang spoils his son, and indeed he does!"

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "What did Duke Kang say?"

"Steward Feng said that Duke Kang claimed he severely beat his son, and due to a severe cold, he became bedridden and came personally to apologize." Zou Fang said.

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "Indeed spoiling his son. It’s not just spoiling but showing no regard for our Prince Mansion, no wonder it’s Duke Kang!"

Among the eight dukes, some are declining, and some are mediocre, like Duke An, who is mediocre and unremarkable.

Duke Kang Mansion is strong this generation, making significant contributions in the military, which is why Song Tianhai is so confident.

Duke Kang came to apologize without bringing Song Tianhai, relying merely on empty words and his old face.

This is simply not treating Prince Qing Mansion with seriousness.

It’s just for show, leaving no room for criticism.

Song Tianhai also has innate cultivation; how can a cold defeat him? How hard could Duke Kang have beaten him?

No matter how hard, he should still manage to come if it’s serious.

It’s just an excuse.

"Your Highness, just directly drive him out of the mansion!" Guo Chi snorted.

At that time, he was just in the courtyard; as a guard, even in harsh weather, he couldn’t run inside for warmth.

Moreover, being a Grandmaster, he didn’t fear the cold winds and snow.

He clearly understood the situation at that time.

Originally, he thought Duke Kang would fiercely reprimand Song Tianhai and then bring him to the mansion to apologize in person.

But in the end, only Duke Kang came, with no sign of Song Tianhai.

Chu Zhiyuan asked, "What is being said inside?"

Zou Fang softly replied, "Steward Feng said Duke Kang personally apologized to the Prince, admitting his fault in teaching his son properly, declaring it a grave sin."

"And then?"

"He presented a few paintings to the Prince, along with a piece of treasure armor."

"Treasure armor?"

"Qingyun Armor, which can withstand several strikes from Gang Qi of a Grandmaster." Zou Fang said.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Qingyun Armor... now that’s a bit sincere, accept it."

"Your Highness?" Guo Chi exclaimed, "Is just a piece of Qingyun Armor enough?"

"Being able to withstand a Grandmaster’s attack, how can such treasure be refused, besides there are paintings too, which aren’t ordinary."

"They indeed are works of renowned artists." Zou Fang said, "A total of eight paintings."

"Let Father accept the things and casually dismiss him." Chu Zhiyuan said.

Guo Chi couldn’t help himself, "Your Highness, once these are accepted, it’s as if we forgave them."

"Forgive them, or not forgive them, what difference does it make?" Chu Zhiyuan said, "Should we refuse these at the door to show dissatisfaction?"

"Of course, we must show dissatisfaction; who cares for these things!" Guo Chi snorted.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "If truly dissatisfied, we would have exploded last night, why endure it? ...Since we have shown great tolerance, let’s be thorough, accept them happily, and let it be over with a laugh."

"Isn’t that too easy on them?" Guo Chi grumbled, dissatisfied.

"Cheap sometimes is expensive; expensive sometimes seems cheap."

Chu Zhiyuan looked toward the Imperial Palace with a smile.

What matters next is how the Emperor reacts.

His own sons and grandchildren were bullied by Duke Kang Mansion to such an extent, enduring humiliation up to this level, can he hold it in?

Should he reflect on being too harsh on Prince Qing Mansion, causing even the Duke Mansions to disregard Prince Qing Mansion?

Isn’t it tragic enough?

This could be considered a bitter strategy for the Emperor.

He has realized.

Changing the status of Prince Qing Mansion isn’t achievable just by working hard on cultivation and showing extraordinary talent.

At the Imperial Palace night banquet, he already fully displayed his martial arts talent, even accomplishing great deeds, being the number one Princely Heir.

Yet the situation of Prince Qing Mansion remains unchanged.

He realized then that he oversimplified things, not understanding the Emperor’s high stature in Da Jing.

The Emperor of Da Jing is different from the emperors of dynasties past of his previous life, being a combination of supreme personal power and supreme authority, whose prestige and power far exceed those of past emperors.

The Emperor is the most significant factor in determining the status of Prince Qing Mansion; only his attitude is crucial to enhancing the status of Prince Qing Mansion.

If unable to change the Emperor’s attitude, even becoming a Great Grandmaster may not change the status of Prince Qing Mansion.

No matter how formidable a Great Grandmaster is, he can’t surpass the Emperor; seeking future alliances and arousing the Emperor’s dislike brings immediate misfortune.

The wait for making amends upon gaining prominence is uncertain and unpredictable.

...

Guo Chi looked baffled, turning his head to look at Zou Fang.

Zou Fang maintained his usual tranquility and silence.

Guo Chi glanced at the other three, all of whom looked equally perplexed.

Shouldn’t this be a moment of anger and raging fury, why is there still a smile?

Chu Zhiyuan entered through the gates of the Prince Mansion, heading directly back to Listening Waves Courtyard.

Zou Fang went to find Feng Xi.

...

Chu Minghou was chatting and drinking tea with Duke Kang, in a rather awkward atmosphere.

The two had little in common; Duke Kang understood military formations, while Chu Minghou wasn’t familiar with martial arts; when it came to Court affairs, Chu Minghou wasn’t very knowledgeable either.

At that moment, Feng Xi silently approached Chu Minghou, whispering into his ear.

Chu Minghou sighed in relief, nodding repeatedly.

Feng Xi noticed a doorman standing outside and then left the hall.

After a while, he returned and whispered, "Prince, the Da Zhen Mission and Wentian Cliff’s Elder Mo Chunyu have arrived."

"Oh—?" Chu Minghou was stunned, "Is Elder Mo really here?"

Feng Xi replied, "Waiting outside."

"Then quickly invite him in," Chu Minghou hurriedly said, "Elder Mo is a Great Grandmaster, we must not be disrespectful, I should greet him personally."

"Your Highness." Feng Xi quickly whispered, "The Princely Heir said that’s not necessary."

"Oh, right." Chu Minghou suddenly realized, laughing, "Yuan’er mentioned inviting Grandmaster Mo here to discuss Danqing; I never expected Grandmaster Mo to arrive so quickly!"

He turned around, smiling, "Brother Song, forgive me."

Duke Kang, Song Shenghe, was an elder with a robust physique; his face appeared particularly aged, seemingly 20 years older although just two years older than Chu Minghou.

He waved his hand, "No need for apologies, your Highness. Even I would do the same with the arrival of a Great Grandmaster."

"Grandmaster Mo is a master of Danqing." Chu Minghou exclaimed, "I must properly exchange insights."

"Does Grandmaster Mo have any prior connection with your Highness?"

"It’s Yuan’er who has met Grandmaster Mo twice, and suggested inviting him for a discussion on Danqing at the mansion; Grandmaster Mo agreed and came sooner than expected."

"Perhaps I should leave, as staying might be inappropriate."

"This..." Chu Minghou hesitated, then nodded, "If Brother Song has matters to attend..."

"Lately, I’ve been quite idle, just afraid of interrupting your conversation with Grandmaster Mo."

"That wouldn’t be much of a bother, Brother Song, please stay."

"...Then I’ll impose."

Chu Zhiyuan sat within Listening Waves Courtyard, hearing this conversation, knowing then that Duke Kang was indeed thick-skinned.

...

Super Sense enveloped the front hall, observing Mo Chunyu being personally welcomed and led by Feng Xi to meet Chu Minghou.

Mo Chunyu was quite cold towards Duke Kang, merely offering a curt nod without conversation.

Then, Mo Chunyu and Chu Minghou delved directly into Danqing skill discussions, becoming more and more congenial, even painting on the spot.

Mo Chunyu created a piece, and so did Chu Minghou; they were mutually impressed by each other’s painting skills and expansive mental realms, exchanging artworks.

Each wrote a colophon on the paintings as a keepsake.

Duke Kang stayed silent at the side, merely listening quietly.

His expression grew increasingly stern.

Mo Chunyu’s congeniality with Prince Qing meant a meeting of minds at first sight.

The alliances between Da Jing and Da Zhen were very beneficial to their developing friendship, likely leading to them becoming friends in the future.

It’s intriguing how someone not versed in martial arts could become friends with a Great Grandmaster; indeed, the world’s matters are uncanny and unpredictable.

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