Chapter 439 Everyone Hates Zhao Duan (5k)
A spring breeze dispelled 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 was sitting 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 bulge and flattening of his chest and abdomen.
"Huh——"
When another big Zhou Tian breath was finished, Zhao Duan opened his eyes, feeling the fullness of Qi in the sea of Qi, and the almost endless energy in his body, and raised his fingers Touched my nose and looked at my nostrils There was blood seeping out of his mouth, and he twitched the corner of his mouth:
"Drug taking is a great tonic..."
Taking out a handkerchief and wiping the nosebleed, Zhao Duan stood up and dressed, facing the sudden burst of blood. This thing is getting used to.
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 refined into internal force.
“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 your meridians. There may be a little pain during this process, so bear with it.”
The empress once explained this.
But in fact...
Perhaps because of the original "Recasting of the Dao Foundation", Zhao Duan's meridians are extremely flexible, and the pain is not much, but he feels uncomfortable with bulging all over his body every day, and he feels like venting, but The feeling of frustration with no outlet.
The relatively fragile capillaries in the nasal cavity have suffered a lot, and I can’t adapt to it unless I have several nosebleeds a day...
“My current internal strength is so strong that I’m afraid I have reached the Shenzhang realm. The limit. I don’t know how many layers of armor can be broken by using all the energy."
After Zhao Duan finished dressing and grooming, he wiped his nose with a handkerchief and couldn't help but think about it.
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 his savings reach 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 the door open and walked out, preparing to enter the palace after dinner to ask Eunuch Hai. , it’s not time yet.
……
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 his 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.
Beside 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 for mercy from Zhao Duan who came in.
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.
He is 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 his stepson with a smile:
"Did Dalang forget the day? Today is the day to welcome 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 The flowers are blooming day and night, which means they have been blessed by the God of Spring. This year will go well...
"Look, I have forgotten the day." Zhao Duan is not embarrassed.
Who doesn’t go to work or go to school, who still deliberately remembers what day it is?
Zhao Pan looked at his elder brother with his autumn eyes, and silently handed over a handkerchief with a delicate fragrance:
"Brother, you have a nosebleed..."
"...Oh, thank you."
"...Brother, has His Majesty given you some tonic?"
"Where can I... have something to eat?"
The Zhao family does not have a rule of not talking during meals or sleeping. They chatted habitually during breakfast, during which the news about the visitors from Qingshan was inevitably mentioned.
The team from the Daqing 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 fingers and sipped the egg custard like a lady.
Zhao Duan shook his head: "There is no time."
Eugene Hua frowned and said worriedly:
"My mother heard that this time Among the people there is the man named Chai who was arrested by your elder brother during the Buddhist and Taoist fight last year.”
"Chai Keqiao."
"Yes, it's a strange name. I heard it seems to be more powerful. I wonder if it will cause trouble for your elder brother."
Zhao Duan held it with one hand. A bowl of white rice porridge, sucked into the stomach, and said lightly:
"Don't worry, aunt. If I don't cause trouble for them, it will be regarded as merciful. Okay, I'm full, I'm entering the palace."
He put down the bowls and chopsticks, put on his robe and walked out of the dining room. When passing through the atrium, a drop of water happened to fall from 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.
Waiting for him to leave the house, Uncle Zhao walked over with the account book in hand. He suddenly noticed something strange about the courtyard wall. He walked over and slowly leaned towards it with his buttocks sticking out.
I suddenly saw the scenery on the opposite side through a thin hole in the wall.
……
...
Zhao Duan entered the palace by familiar means. Instead of disturbing the empress, he went to the martial arts hall where the royal worshipers were.
The Martial Arts Hall is built in front of the "Arsenal". It is a very special place in the imperial city. The so-called "Masters of the Imperial Palace" gather here.
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 people without blinking an eye.
However, when Zhao Duan strolled and stepped into the courtyard, a number of famous ministers along the way stopped, smiled, and greeted warmly:
"Master Shaobao, you came early today."
"I have seen Shaobao."
"Master Shaobao came in time. The Biluochun has just been brewed for you. . ”
“Your appearance is getting better and better, and you have achieved great success.”
Zhao Duan smiled and nodded, sincerely lamenting that the rumors among the people are obviously false, where does the coldness come from. Bloody sacrificial killer?
They are obviously a very enthusiastic group of colleagues who are easy to get along with.
Really, there are too many misunderstandings from the outside world.
"Have the sea offerings 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 been summoned by your majesty, and 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.
The name is Song Jinxi, a top-grade divine seal, only one step away from the world.
Behind him, another eunuch in his thirties also stood up and saluted. He was a serious eunuch in his thirties. He wore a coat of the same color and had a large frame. He had a strict and steady character.
The 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 worship service is meant to serve the royal family. Who knows, Zhao Duan will 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.
"His Majesty summoned him?" Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows, entered the inner hall, sat down first, called two "senior brothers" to sit with him, and then asked:
"Is it because of the Qingshan disciples? ?”
The oily Song Jinxi nodded and bowed:
"Shaobao's guess is correct. Early this morning, Qingshan disciples went into the palace to meet the saint and presented a letter of war."
Tang Jinzhong, who was more in line with the cold worshiper's character, also nodded and said in a deep voice: "My father-in-law had attended the appointment in the past. Qingshan is more familiar with this matter than His Majesty, so he went there.”
Zhao Duan picked up the Biluochun tea and squinted: "I heard that according to tradition, when Qingshan disciples come, they 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's said to be a discussion, but in fact it's 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 fall short, the entire royal family will lose face.
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 and gave up after hearing the words. Waving his hand, he said calmly:
"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 stood up from the coffee table. I grabbed a handful of dried fruits from the tray:
"Would you like something to eat?"
"..." Mochou rolled her eyes, sat down opposite him, frowned and said:
"The people from Qingshan are here, did you know?"
Zhao Duan Jiang Dried Fruit He took it back, crushed a walnut and ate it, and said lazily:
"How could you not know? Just now I was about to find out what kind of people came here? I heard that Chai Keqiao is here again?" Is there any entry?”
Mochou looked at Zhao with disgust and said teasingly:
"Yes, that Chai Keqiao has entered the worldly realm. How about it? Is there any pressure?"
< br>As expected, he advanced... Yes, as a direct disciple of Wu Xiankui, this person worked with Gongshu Tianyuan and the others. A genius all the way... At the time of the Buddhism and Taoism competition, he was already at the peak of the divine chapter...
Zhao Duanhun didn't care: "How many years has he been practicing? How long have I been? 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 the best among the disciples who have not come down the mountain."
The disciples of the Qingshan lineage are divided into "mountain" and "down the mountain". Generally speaking, they come It is said that those who have achieved success in practice or feel that they can no longer make breakthroughs on the mountain will choose to "go down the mountain" and enter the world.
Except for the incestuous relationship with Qingshan, those who come down from the mountain, what they do next and which force they join are all personal choices and have nothing to do with Qingshan.
Dian Shuishui, 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?"
Even the court found it difficult to find out the intelligence on Qingshan, 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 medal. He is a good friend of the young monk Tianhai."
"...So?"
"So he is very interested in you.
Last year you used the Tai'a sword to seriously injure the young monk Tianhai. This is not considered decent in the world. Many People are fighting for Tianhai, thinking that you are just trying to gain fame.
It’s just that most people are afraid of the court and don’t dare to say it publicly, but this Qiye dared.” Mo Chou sighed.
Zhao Duan blinked and said curiously:
"Miss Mo, do you think I am just trying to gain fame?"
Mo Chou said angrily:
"You think you can win impeccably? You even beat Chai Keqiao from Shenzhang Realm at that time. However, if you still deploy troops to suppress it, hey, according to what you are talking about, is it not a 'black history'? "
What kind of black history, that's how I came... Zhao Duan is 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 this on the solid wood table. name.
Zhao Duan was puzzled:
"Is this person special? Could it be that he is 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 said in confusion: "Then the name you specifically wrote about her is... I forgive 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 the concubine 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 Ran sent the Xiao family to Qingshan to practice martial arts a long time ago. When the family was exterminated, because of his early After entering the gate of Daqingshan, he was protected by Wu Xiankui, so he survived. But as a price, he also changed his surname to show his clear line with the rebellious Xiao family."
Zhao Duan was speechless: "Why is it so chaotic..."
Mo Chou. Ignoring him, he 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 Qi Ye Ye doesn't like me, why are all these people trying not to deal with me? What about the Avengers..."
"The Avengers?" Mochou was stunned for a moment, thinking that this statement was a little bit strange. It's exaggerated, but I have long been used to the weird words this guy occasionally pops up, and said quietly:
"Who made you make too many enemies."
Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows and sighed:
"The beauty 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?"
Mo Chou laughed out loud Voice: "This is the palace. Even if they dare to do something, they can't do it."
After a pause, she said seriously: "I hope you will 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 of Qingshan because of the assassination of you because of the cutoff of the water flow in Yansuo Lake. You must avenge yourself. "Isn't it because of your temper that you have been planning to take it out on them?"
Zhao Duan did not deny it.
Mochou said bitterly:
“And these three people are all hostile to you, so they certainly don’t dare to go too far, but within the rules, in the name of exchanging martial arts with you, The conflict is not unexpected. I know that as long as you don’t go too far, His Majesty won’t stop you. Well... maybe you have already had an affair with His Majesty..."
Zhao Duan dusted off the walnut shells in his hands, frowned and said:
"Mo Zhaorong, you and I are old acquaintances, there is no need to beat around the bush, just say what you have to say."
Mo Chou sighed. He said in a serious tone:
“With the current situation in the world, you I also know that the Eight Kings are restless, and the imperial court has just come out of the gloom and has taken a breath. If it breaks with Qingshan now, it will be too ugly. Once Wu Xiankui is pushed to the side of the Eight Kings..."
< br>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? Simply, you are afraid that if things get too big, Qingshan will fall to the Eight Kings...so you want me to be more tolerant? Is this your personal idea?"
Mo Chou's eyes darkened. , nodded:
"It's my own idea. I know that you don't have a good impression of me. Judging from the battles between you and me in the past, it's reasonable for you not to agree. I just don't want your Majesty." She's too tired... If you don't want to, just pretend I haven't been here."
As she said that, she stood up slowly and walked out without high hopes.
When he stepped out of the threshold, he heard Zhao Duan's calm voice from behind:
"I can only promise you not to take the initiative to cause trouble for them."
Mo Chou was stunned, and his face A joyful expression flashed across his face, and he turned his head and was about to say something when he heard footsteps coming from outside the courtyard.
"Zhao Shaobao, Mo Zhaorong, and Eunuch Hai sent a message."
Song Jinxi came in and said loudly:
"His Majesty has finished meeting with the 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 down in one gulp, stood up and said with a smile:
"Let's go meet these outsiders."< br>
(End of this chapter)