Chapter 229: Heart of the Machine Tiger Minister

Chapter 229: Artifice Heart, Tiger Minister

The Three Teachings stand atop the peak; a single hand covers the sky.

Such words seem treasonous, yet they are an undisputed fact throughout the empire today.

The Confucian clans control the court; the Buddhist and Daoist sects dominate the faith.

Only that gray zone sandwiched between black and white serves as the living space for the remaining Nine Streams.

Seated in a rosewood chair, Chen Qisheng currently wore an expression of utter contentment.

Although he disliked pulling the tiger's skin for a banner like this, he had to admit, doing this sort of thing was damn satisfying!

The most crucial point was that he didn't have to bear the responsibility himself; this was satisfaction piled upon satisfaction.

In the seat of honor, Zhang Ruzhen's face cycled through green and white, shifting unpredictably, a spectacular display.

If it were truly as Chen Qisheng said, a consensus reached by the White Jade Capital, then the Prince of Qin could indeed escape the supervision of the Imperial Clan Court.

But even so, it was merely jumping from the palm of the Confucians into the palm of the Daoists.

Though it might offer more freedom compared to now, in the end, wasn't it still living under another's roof, breathing by another's leave?

The Prince possesses both civil and military strategy, harboring grand ambitions; how could he be moved by such trifling gains?

Thinking to this point, Zhang Ruzhen let out a cold laugh: "Worthy of Mount Longhu's men; your words are indeed harder than the common man's."

"But don't you forget, all lands under heaven belong to the king; the imperial house is the true master of these rivers and mountains, the true sky above the common people's heads!"

Seeing the other party open with these grand principles, Chen Qisheng immediately sighed inwardly.

Forget it, wasted breath.

I fucking knew it was useless; if this Prince of Qin were going to agree, he'd have done so long ago, would he need me to persuade him?

Those old masters in our White Jade Capital Immortal Class really ought to download their consciousness and re-enter the mortal world for a good walkabout.

Lest they truly think giving someone a bit of face means that person will come wagging their tail in gratitude.

The Daoist Gate is merely one of the Three Teachings, not truly capable of covering the sky with a single hand!

Good thing this Daoist Master is clever beyond measure, pulling Li Jun this enforcer over in advance.

Otherwise, fighting two alone, who knows where my Dao Foundation would have been sold off to by those bald donkeys by now!

While inwardly slandering in his heart, Chen Qisheng wore a look of smug satisfaction.

Already knowing the outcome of this trip up the mountain, he paid no heed whatsoever to what Zhang Ruzhen was saying afterward.

"Celestial Master Chen!"

A voice, high and piercing like a woman's in rage, yanked his thoughts back from the heavens.

"Hah?"

Zhang Ruzhen's pale, effeminate face flushed slightly red; suppressing his anger, he said: "This servant can pretend not to have heard those words you just spoke. Please leave!"

Seeing the host order him out, the Daoist lifted his robe hem and stood up cleanly and neatly.

"Since the Prince is already accustomed to this life, the Daoist Gate will not force the issue. However, there is a matter I must ask Steward Zhang to relay to the Prince."

Chen Qisheng spoke in a deep voice: "Sichuan is the fundamental base recognized by the Daoist Gate's hierarchy; it is impossible to continue tolerating any other force meddling within. This point, I hope the Prince can understand!"

The moment his words fell, a high-pitched humming sound abruptly rose in the room.

Zhang Ruzhen's brows and eyes turned icy; Yin Qi crisscrossed around him, washing over the young Daoist like a tangible substance, raising goosebumps all over his body.

"Chongqing Prefecture is not your base; it is the Prince of Qin's fiefdom. The Prince lets in whomever he wishes; the people below give to whomever they wish. It tolerates no finger-pointing from you!"

Rank Six: Artifice Heart, Tiger Minister!

Still a Yin Tiger of indistinguishable sex.

Chen Qisheng had come to Hongya Mountain this time to complete the White Jade Capital's mission; naturally, he would not risk his little life arguing with Zhang Ruzhen.

Qisheng, Qisheng—this name was taken for the sake of longevity.

Thus, under Zhang Ruzhen's slightly stunned gaze, the young Daoist actually cupped his fists in a proper salute, didn't utter a single word to save face, and walked out briskly.

"This Daoist is quite a character who can bend and stretch with grace; Mount Longhu actually sent someone like this—interesting."

After Chen Qisheng left this side hall of the Prince's mansion, a deep, powerful voice suddenly rang out in the room.

Zhang Ruzhen, who had been sitting sprawled in the chair, sprang up as if electrocuted, striding forward several steps.

Only when he reached the center of the hall did he dare turn respectfully, facing the abrupt projection.

Broad shoulders and back, square face with thick brows, wearing a coarse hemp shirt.

Undoubtedly, the projection was none other than the long-vanished Prince of Qin, Zhu Youhong.

Zhang Ruzhen slammed both knees to the ground, his expression agitated: "Your Highness, you can finally show yourself."

Zhu Youhong hummed, speaking blandly: "However, the Imperial Clan Court has been investigating diligently lately; I fear it won't be long before they come again."

"This subordinate will eventually execute all these traitors!" Zhang Ruzhen's face was full of ferocity.

"Forget it, they are merely following orders."

Zhu Youhong displayed extraordinary magnanimity, waving a hand dismissively. "Speak of business. Has there been any 'flesh message' from Qi Huai's side?"

"Yes. This subordinate long ago translated the secret letter in the flesh messenger's mind, but have lacked the opportunity to report to you."

Zhu Youhong smiled faintly. "Good news, or bad?"

"Good news!"

Zhang Ruzhen's eyes shone, his face flushing red.

"Qi Huai says the Swan Goose Hidden King, Ding Huan, has already set out with men for Chongqing Prefecture; he will likely arrive within days!"

"Good, very good!" Zhu Youhong's brows twitched. "It seems this most critical step has succeeded!"

Zhang Ruzhen delivered a perfectly timed flattery, fawning: "Your Highness is the man of heaven's mandate; naturally you possess boundless fortune, succeeding in all endeavors!"

Zhu Youhong narrowed his eyes slightly, pondering for a long while, then looked down at this steward of the Prince's mansion, trusted inner minister, kneeling on the ground.

"Since the honored guest is arriving, we must quickly clean the house, so we may properly entertain them."

Beneath the gentle tone lay a stern killing intent.

Zhang Ruzhen shuddered violently, immediately responding: "Your Highness rest assured, this subordinate has made arrangements; as long as no one interferes, in two or three days these fleas can be cleaned up completely."

"Ruzhen, your words imply something more."

Zhu Youhong chuckled lightly. "Speak then, who exactly is interfering with you?"

"Your Highness sees clearly; it is naturally that ignorant Embroidered Uniform Guard Centurion, Yan Bahuang!"

Kicking a man when he's down, sealing the lid shut.

This was a skill Zhang Ruzhen had comprehended on the very day he castrated his desires as a man.

As a eunuch who had once experienced the glory days of the Directorate of Ceremonial, he held a contempt for the Embroidered Uniform Guard etched into his bones.

They are merely dogs raised by our family; how dare they bare their teeth at their master?!

Even though the Directorate of Ceremonial has thoroughly vanished into history, he was still the Chief Steward of the Prince of Qin's Mansion.

Beating a dog requires looking at the master; you, Yan Bahuang, are but a Centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, yet your actions give this servant no face whatsoever—truly hateful to the extreme!

“Commander Yan’s methods are indeed overly pedantic and rigid, yet his loyalty to the Empire is beyond question. It is precisely on this account that this King has tolerated him these many years,”

Zhu Youhong sighed, “But matters have now reached a critical juncture, admitting not the slightest error. If Commander Yan still cannot discern the situation, then you shall dispose of him.”

Zhang Ruzhen bowed low, head lowered, concealing the excited smile on his face, his hands clenched tight into fists within his sleeves.

From above, a voice fell, relentless as the dread majesty of Heaven itself.

“So long as this deed is done, this King shall finally break free of this cage that is Chongqing Prefecture. Therefore, whoever stands in the way, whatever their station, Ruzhen, you need not hesitate—act with a free hand!”

“Your subordinate understands!”