Chapter 439 Everyone hates Zhao Duan (5k)
A spring breeze dissipated the remaining cold air in the capital, and the spring of Tianfeng's third year came quietly.
After several spring rains, the branches that had withered all winter began to sprout buds, and the ones that bloomed earlier were the peach blossoms in the capital.
Early morning, Zhao family.
Zhao Duan sat cross-legged on the bed, with his upper body simply covered with a single piece of clothing. As he breathed in and out of his mouth and nose, he could vaguely see the swelling and calming down of his chest and abdomen.
"Hoo——"
After finishing another big week of breathing, Zhao Duan opened his eyes, feeling the abundant energy in the sea of qi and the almost inexhaustible energy in his body. He raised his fingers and touched his nose, looking at the seepage from his nostrils. blood, twitching the corner of his mouth:
"Taking drugs is a great tonic..."
Taking out a handkerchief and wiping the nosebleed, Zhao Duan stood up and dressed, already used to the constant bleeding.
One month has passed since Zhuang Xiaocheng was beheaded, and the aftermath of Zhuang Xiaocheng's death continues to spread.
Yun Xi, Wu Ling, Lin Yuebai and others, after experiencing taking sides, were dispatched as non-staff "shadow guards" to continue the struggle against the remnants of Kuangfu Society.
Under the arrangement of the Empress, Zhao Duan began to officially join the royal family's worship team, swallowing the heavenly materials and earthly treasures prepared by the Empress, and digesting the medicine.
Gradually refine it into internal power.
"If you want to break through to the high level quickly, you need to accumulate the internal strength of your Qi sea to the extent that you can forcibly widen the meridians. There may be a little pain during this process, so bear with it."
The empress once explained it this way.
But in fact...
Perhaps it was because of the original "recasting of the Tao Foundation" that Zhao Duan's meridians were extremely flexible and there was not much pain. However, he felt uncomfortable with bulging all over his body every day, and there was a sense of depression that he wanted to vent but couldn't.
The relatively fragile nasal capillaries are suffering, and they are not used to it unless they have several nosebleeds a day...
"My current internal strength is so strong that I'm afraid it has reached the limit of the Shenzhang realm. I don't know how many layers of armor I can break through by releasing my Qi with all my strength."
Zhao Duan finished dressing and washing, wiping his nose with a handkerchief, and couldn't help but daydream.
The warriors of the Yu State used a very crude method to test the Qi machine. They used Qi machine to wrap their weapons and bombard obstacles. The more layers of armor they could penetrate, the stronger their internal strength was.
However, according to Zhenbao, he needs to hold it in forcibly until the accumulation reaches the limit before letting it out, otherwise it will be easy to waste the power of the medicine.
"It should be almost done. If I hold it in any longer, I feel like I'm going to explode..."
Shaking his head, Zhao Duan pushed open the door and walked out, planning to enter the palace after dinner to ask Eunuch Hai if it was time.
……
There was a spring rain last night, but this morning the sky cleared up. The entire Zhao Mansion building was washed by the drizzle, and the sun shone golden.
On the way to the dining room, Zhao Duan found a row of peach blossom branches on the window of his home, which was extremely bright and moving.
In the dining room.
At the round table, Zhao Pan took off his winter jacket and replaced it with a skirt that highlighted the girl's appearance.
The Pekingese dog she named "Steamed Bun" stuck out its tongue and waggled its tail to beg Zhao Duan for mercy as he walked in the door.
Breakfast was placed on the table, and the matron of the house, Eugene Flower, also changed into her favorite dark green dress. The cuffs were rolled up, revealing two voluptuous forearms.
Now he was standing next to a large floor-to-ceiling porcelain vase, carefully planting peach blossom branches covered with pink and white flower bones and still stained with moisture into the porcelain vase.
"Auntie, why did you plant so many flowers today?" Zhao Duan asked curiously.
Eugene Hua turned around and looked at her stepson with a smile:
"Have you forgotten the day? Today we are welcoming the God of Spring, and every household is planting peach blossoms."
There are "gods of the four seasons" in Yu State, especially the "god of spring" who is the most popular. Every year when the peach blossoms are in full bloom, even the poorest family will find a cluster of early spring wild flowers and put them in the window or vase of their home. It is said that some family If the flowers keep blooming day and night, they are blessed by the God of Spring, and this year will go well...
"Look, I've forgotten the date." Zhao Duan was not embarrassed.
If you don’t go to work or go to school, who would deliberately remember what day it is?
Zhao Pan's eyes like autumn water were fixed on his elder brother, and he silently handed over a handkerchief with a delicate fragrance:
"Brother, you have a nosebleed..."
"...Oh, thanks."
"...Brother, has His Majesty given you any tonic?"
"How can there be... to eat and eat."
There is no rule in the Zhao family that they should not talk during food or sleep. They chatted habitually during breakfast, during which the news about the visitor from Qingshan was inevitably mentioned.
The team from the Daqingshan Mountains of the East China Sea that came to issue a challenge arrived in Beijing last night.
Ordinary people did not pay much attention to this matter, but within the circles of officials and powerful people, it spread immediately.
"Brother, have you seen those people?" Zhao Pan raised his orchid finger and sipped the egg custard like a lady.
Zhao Duan shook his head: "There is no time."
Eugene raised his eyebrows and said worriedly:
"I heard that among the people who came this time, there was someone named Chai who was arrested by your elder brother during the Buddhist and Taoist fighting formation last year."
"Chai Keqiao."
"That's right, with this weird name, I heard that it seems to be more powerful. I wonder if it will cause trouble for your elder brother."
Zhao Duan held a bowl of white rice porridge with one hand, sucked it into his stomach, and said lightly:
"Don't worry, aunt. If I don't cause trouble for them, it will be considered a mercy. Okay, I'm full, I'm entering the palace."
He put down his bowls and chopsticks, put on his robe and walked out of the dining room. As he walked through the atrium, a drop of water happened to fall on a peach tree in the courtyard.
Zhao Duan turned his wrist and flicked his fingers, and the water droplets fluttered like bullets and hit the wall of the Chuihua Gate.
"There is progress." He compared the scene of Eunuch Hai flicking water drops and nodded silently.
When he left the house, Uncle Zhao came over holding the account books. He suddenly noticed something strange about the courtyard wall. He walked over and slowly leaned towards it with his buttocks sticking out.
His eyes suddenly looked through a thin hole in the wall and saw the scenery on the opposite side.
……
……
Zhao Duan entered the palace by familiar means and did not bother the empress. Instead, he went to the martial arts hall where the royal family members were.
The Martial Arts Hall was built in front of the "Arsenal". It was a very special place in the imperial city, where the so-called "big masters" gathered.
The eunuchs here have a superior status. In the eyes of the world, they have always been stereotyped as being cold and cruel, coming and going without a trace, and killing without blinking an eye.
However, when Zhao Duan strolled and entered the courtyard, a number of famous ministers along the way stopped one after another, smiled and greeted warmly:
"Master Shaobao, you came early today."
"I've seen Shaobao."
"Master Shaobao will come in time. The Biluochun has just been brewed for you."
"Your expression is getting better and better, and your cultivation has been successful."
Zhao Duan smiled and nodded, feeling sincerely that the rumors among the people were clearly false. Where did the cold and bloody killer come from?
They are obviously a very enthusiastic group of colleagues who are easy to get along with.
It’s true that there are too many misunderstandings from outsiders.
"Has the sea worship started?" he asked casually as he walked towards the inner hall.
In the hall, two eunuchs who had arrived early stood up, and one of them put on a flattering smile:
"Eunuch Hai has called your Majesty, but he is not here at the moment."
The eunuch who spoke had a sharp mouth and monkey cheeks, and the appearance of a hozen. He was wearing a light red round-collared sacrificial gown, and his hair was hidden in wingless black gauze. He was about the same age as Zhao Duan, and his eyes were rolling. He was a long-sleeved man who was good at dancing.
His name is Song Jinxi, he is a top-grade divine seal and is only one step away from the world.
Behind him, another eunuch who also stood up to salute was a serious eunuch in his thirties. He wore a coat of the same color and had a larger frame. He had a strict and steady character.
His name is Tang Jinzhong, he is worshiped in the world and has strong military force.
During these days, Zhao Duan was practicing martial arts in the martial arts hall. Eunuch Hai was used to being lazy. He took a nap in the arsenal most of the time and arranged for two people to take care of him.
It stands to reason that Zhao Duan is the least "qualified" among these worshipers, and should have the status of "junior brother".
But the royal family is not a sect after all. The identity of Shaobao Zhao Duan is nothing, but the hidden identity of the "emperor's husband" is really special.
The enshrinement was meant to serve the royal family. Who knows, Zhao Duan would also become the royal family in a few years.
Therefore, the distinction between master and servant cannot be confused.
Therefore, Zhao Duan was in the Wugong Hall. Except for Eunuch Hai, all the worshipers were respectful and humble to him, acting like servants.
"Has your Majesty summoned you?" Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows, entered the inner hall, sat down first, greeted two "senior brothers" to sit with him, and then asked:
"Is it because of Qingshan disciples?"
The greasy-tongued Song Jinxi nodded and bowed:
"Shaobao's guess is correct. Early this morning, Qingshan disciples went into the palace to face the sage and presented a letter of war."
Tang Jinzhong, who was more in line with the character of a cold worshiper, also nodded and said solemnly: "My father-in-law went to Qingshan for an appointment in the past. He is more familiar with this matter than your Majesty, so he went."
Zhao Duan picked up the Biluochun tea, squinted and said:
"I heard that according to tradition, Qingshan disciples will stay in the imperial city for a while, compete with the royal family, and discuss martial arts?"
Song Jinxi nodded, showing a worried look:
"It is said to be a discussion, but in fact it is still a competition. Although it has nothing to do with the contest between His Majesty and Wu Xiankui, it is also a major matter involving the royal family's face..."
Tang Jinzhong nodded, looking even more solemn and serious than before.
The royal families of all dynasties have always cared about face. Although the Qingshan inheritance has a long history, it is still a power in the world.
The two sides are competing, especially in the territory of the royal family. If they are one step lower, the entire royal family will be greatly disgraced.
Zhao Duan nodded and was about to ask for details when suddenly a voice came from outside the martial arts hall:
"Mo Zhaorong..."
He turned his head and suddenly saw the "Big Bing Tuozi" wearing a female official's robe, with plum blossoms on his eyebrows and a serious face walking in.
Tang Jinzhong and Song Jinxi stood up again, quite unexpectedly:
"Miss Mo...but what are your orders?"
Mochou came alone, waved his hand when he heard the words, and said lightly:
"I have something to say to Zhao Shaobao alone."
The two worshipers looked at each other, then cast a questioning look at Zhao Duan, and then left after the latter nodded.
He also drove out all the other eunuchs in the courtyard.
……
"Why did Mo Zhaorong come over suddenly? What else do you want to say to me?"
Zhao Duan gestured for her to sit down with a smile, and grabbed a handful of dried fruits from the tray on the coffee table:
"Would you like something to eat?"
"..." Mochou rolled her eyes, sat down opposite him, frowned and said:
"The people from Qingshan are here, do you know?"
Zhao Duan took the dried fruit back, crushed a walnut, ate it, and said lazily:
"How could you not know? I was just about to find out how the people came? I heard that Chai Keqiao is here again? Is he entering the country?"
Mochou looked at the dishonest Zhao with disgust and teased:
"Yes, Chai Keqiao has entered the worldly realm. How is it? Do you feel any pressure?"
Sure enough, he advanced... Yes, as a direct disciple of Wu Xiankui, this person is a genius along with Gongshu Tianyuan and the others... He was already at the peak of the divine chapter during the Buddhism and Taoism competition...
Zhao Duanhun didn't care: "How many years has he been practicing? How long have I been practicing? What's the pressure?"
Seeing that he was not hit, Mochou felt bored and continued:
"Besides him, there are two other disciples coming to Qingshan on this trip, both of whom are outstanding disciples who have not yet come down from the mountain."
The disciples of Qingshan lineage can be divided into "mountain" and "downhill". Generally speaking, those who have achieved success in practice, or who feel that they can no longer break through on the mountain, will choose to "come down" and enter the world.
For those who go down the mountain, apart from their romantic relationship with Qingshan, what they do next and which force they join are all personal choices and have nothing to do with Qingshan.
Duanshui Shui, who assassinated Zhao Duan, is a typical representative.
The status of the Qingshan lineage in the hearts of martial arts warriors was built by generations of people who came down the mountain and the gods on the mountain.
Everyone knows that if any force dares to attack Qingshan, those Qingshan disciples who are wandering in the rivers and lakes and making a living among different forces will definitely return one after another. It will be a formidable force.
Correspondingly, every move of the disciples who are still practicing on the mountain is related to the Qingshan Sect.
"There are two more?" Zhao Duan asked curiously: "Who are they?"
The intelligence on Qingshan was difficult for even the imperial court to find out, and he didn't know much about it.
Mochou said: "One of them is named Qiye. He is a swordsman and has a high-level divine seal. He is good friends with the young monk Tianhai."
"...So?"
"So he's interested in you.
Last year, you used the Tai'a Sword to seriously injure young monk Tianhai. This incident was not considered honorable in the world. Many people defended Tianhai, thinking that you were just trying to gain fame.
It's just that most people are afraid of the court and don't dare to speak openly, but this Qiye dares. "Mochou sighed.
Zhao Duan blinked and said curiously:
"Miss Mo also thinks that I am just trying to gain fame?"
Mochou said angrily:
"Do you think your victory is impeccable? You couldn't even defeat Chai Keqiao in Shenzhang Realm at that time, and you mobilized troops to suppress it. Ha, based on what you are talking about, is it not 'black history'?"
What kind of dark history, how did I come here... Zhao Duan was not happy.
He is different today from last year. I really want to say:
Big Bingtuozi, don’t look at people with old eyes!
After Mochou finished complaining, he continued: "As for the third person, she is a woman named Xiao Ran."
She dipped her fingers in tea and wrote the name on the solid wood table.
Zhao Duan was puzzled:
"Is this person special? Is he very strong?"
"It's not weak, but it's only a top-grade divine seal and has not yet entered the world." Mochou shook his head.
Zhao Duan was confused and said: "Then why you specifically wrote her name...I apologize for my ignorance."
Mochou glanced at him and said:
"Her original surname is 'Xiao'. The Xiao of Concubine Xiao, according to her seniority, should be called Concubine Xiao's aunt. She is a direct bloodline of the Xiao family."
Not...the family of relatives who followed Jian Wen in rebellion? Wasn't it because of the serious crime of treason that he was kicked out of the house? There is only Concubine Xiao left, are you still crazy? A niece appeared out of nowhere?
Zhao Duan almost dropped the crushed walnuts in his hand.
Mochou saw what he was thinking and explained:
"Xiao Rannai sent the Xiao family to Qingshan to practice martial arts a long time ago. When the family was destroyed, because he had entered the Daqingshan sect early and was protected by Wu Xiankui, he survived, but as a price, he also changed his surname. , to express his stance and draw a clear line with the rebellious Xiao family.”
Zhao Duan was speechless: "Why is it so chaotic..."
Mochou ignored him and continued:
"Xiao Ran doesn't know about Concubine Xiao's madness, but that's not important. What's important is that in her eyes, His Majesty is the enemy who killed her whole family, and you, me... all of us are accomplices."
Zhao Duan’s head hurts:
"What kind of combination is this? Chai Keqiao has a grudge against me, Xiao Ran is hostile to me, and Qiye doesn't like me either. Together with this group of people, they are all trying not to deal with me? What kind of Avengers Alliance... ”
"Avengers?" Mochou was stunned for a moment, thinking that this expression was a bit exaggerated, but she was already used to the weird words this guy occasionally used, and said quietly:
"Who made you make too many enemies?"
Zhao Duan held his forehead and sighed:
"Everything that looks good in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. It's because I'm too good... So you came here to say this to ask me to be careful? To prevent me from being assassinated?"
Mochou sneered: "This is the palace, even if they dare to do it, they can't do it."
After a pause, she said seriously: "I hope you can be more tolerant."
"Ah?" Zhao Duan was surprised.
Mochou's bright black eyes stared at him sincerely:
"I know that you are quite unhappy with the people in Qingshan because of the assassination of you because of the lack of water flow in Yansuo Lake. With your temperament of taking revenge, are you afraid that you have been planning to take out your anger on them?"
Zhao Duan did not deny it.
Mochou said bitterly:
"And these three people are all hostile to you. They certainly don't dare to go too far, but within the rules, in the name of exchanging martial arts through exchanges, it is not surprising that they will conflict with you. I know that as long as you don't go too far, Your Majesty will also I won’t stop you, um... maybe you have already had an affair with His Majesty..."
Zhao Duan slapped the walnut shells off his hands and frowned:
"Mo Zhaorong, you and I are also old acquaintances. There is no need to beat around the bush, just say what you have to say."
Mochou sighed and said seriously:
"With the current situation in the world, you also know that the Eight Kings are restless, and the court has just come out of the gloom and has taken a breath. If we break up with Qingshan now, it will be too ugly. Once Wu Xiankui is pushed to the side of the Eight Kings... …”
Zhao Duan interrupted her:
"I understand. Are you afraid that Qingshan deliberately arranged for three people who have a grudge against me to find trouble to provoke me to take action, and then use this as a reason to intervene in the fight between His Majesty and the Eight Kings?
Or maybe it's just that I'm afraid that it will cause a big fuss and make Qingshan fall to the Eight Kings... So you want me to be more tolerant? Is this your personal opinion? ”
Mochou's eyes dimmed and he nodded:
"It's my own idea. I know that you don't have a good impression of me either. Judging from the past fights between you and me, it's natural that you don't agree. I just don't want Your Majesty to be too tired... If you don't want to, just do it to me. Never been here.”
With that said, she stood up slowly and walked out without high hopes.
When I stepped out of the threshold, I heard Zhao Duan's calm voice coming from behind:
"I can only promise you not to take the initiative to cause trouble for them."
Mochou was stunned for a moment, a happy look flashed across his face, and he turned around and was about to say something when he heard footsteps coming from outside the hospital.
"Zhao Shaobao, Mo Zhaorong, and Eunuch Hai sent messages."
Consecrated Song Jinxi walked in and said loudly:
"His Majesty has finished meeting with Qingshan disciples. Now, it's time for us, the worshipers of the Martial Arts Hall, to go over and meet with them."
Is this coming?
Zhao Duan and Mochou looked at each other, then picked up the tea cup, drank it all in one gulp, stood up and said with a smile:
"Let's go and meet these outsiders."
(End of chapter)