Chapter 1353

"Your Majesty!"

Heat waves rolled across the river surface; ships vied for the current, spreading out like wings.

The towering pavilion stood a hundred zhang high; crimson carpet was laid across the deck, extending from the bow to the throne above, the entire grand hall space neatly bisected by this vermilion hue.

The Sky Feather Guards wore heavy armor and held sharp weapons, standing in rows on left and right.

Civil and military officials accompanied in silent attendance.

This journey was both an imperial escort and an audience with the King, and even more an inspection tour.

The originally solemn atmosphere, as Liang Qu entered this space, stirred a breeze; it seemed like the spring wind thawing ice, and that single cry of "Your Majesty" let joyous emotion surge uncontrollably, infecting every person present.

Many officials had ordinary cultivation, and there were those seasick and elderly; traveling south for two months, they were already spiritless and exhausted to the extreme; infected by Liang Qu like this, they felt as if on a morning not fully awakened, splashed with cold water.

Within the Great Shun realm, to serve as a chief official one must have an imperial examination background; County Magistrates, Department Magistrates, Prefects — none were not outstanding products of the examinations.

From the Imperial Capital to Nanzhili, passing through how many places, how many prefectures along the way. Each and every one, their words were so pleasant to hear, drawing from ancient and modern, how dignified; yet not a single one could give Liang Qu such a warm feeling — with just one form of address, he experienced that sincerity from the bottom of the lungs.

Where was the height of summer? Clearly it was a vibrant spring!

No matter who came, they would have to praise: "Prince Huai is truly a loyal minister of the state, his heart is red and sincere."

Laughter is contagious.

Seeing Liang Qu like this, the Sage Emperor couldn't help but laugh.

"Liang Qing, why are you so overjoyed?"

Liang Qu grinned: "Separated for three months, the days have been long; not seeing Your Majesty for so long, yet meeting again in my hometown, joy difficult to restrain, naturally happy."

"Hahaha." The Sage Emperor threw his head back laughing, forefinger pointing repeatedly, "You, you, so young, yet so sycophantic!"

"How could it be sycophancy." Liang Qu was full of regret, "Your Majesty said in the third month you would come; I was truly very conflicted; these three months I haven't slept well."

"Conflict? How conflicted? We tour the south on inspection; could it be that this made things difficult for Prince Huai?"

"Of course not. Your subject merely both wanted Your Majesty to arrive soon, and wanted Your Majesty to arrive late."

"What is the meaning of this?"

Liang Qu pointed out the window, reeds swaying on both banks: "From Nanzhili to the Imperial Capital, adding on the civil and military officials, it would inevitably delay state affairs; Your Majesty can only take a large ship; a large ship is broad; taking a large ship means inevitably traveling the Jinglan Canal.

This route I've traveled who knows how many times; on horseback, by boat, via waterways — whichever kind, all are utterly boring; along the way there's really no scenery, far inferior to the Jianghuai Great Marsh; looking at these monotonous things truly wastes Your Majesty's time.

I almost hated that I couldn't write letters, write memorials to urge Your Majesty to come to Nanzhili early, to Pingyang Prefecture, to come see my Jianghuai, my Nanzhili, my Pingyang — under Your Majesty's governance, what kind of prosperous appearance they have become today. If only one month earlier, one day earlier, one quarter-hour earlier, I would willingly pay from my own pocket, use two strands of Xuanhuang Qi, to let all those lords teleport here directly — they would be willing.

Alas Your Majesty is no ordinary person; from third month to sixth month time is truly tight; Your Majesty truly came, and your subject again feared the traveling palace would be poorly built, slighting Your Majesty.

Therefore it was both wanting Your Majesty to come quickly, and wanting Your Majesty to come slowly.

But now it's good; now seeing Your Majesty, worries are all gone, leaving only one wish."

"Which wish?"

"Hope Your Majesty can stay in Pingyang for more days, so your subject can arrange more programs for Your Majesty.

After watching this summer's River God Festival, Pingyang also has the autumn Fireworks Conference; after the autumn Fireworks Conference, there's the winter Ice Crystal Palace; after the winter Ice Crystal Palace, it's spring again, and spring is another full scenery of beauty.

All four seasons of this year must be arranged for Your Majesty! As for the local inspections along the way, leave them to the ministers to do; eating the ruler's salary and being loyal to the ruler's affairs is originally what they should do. Now troubling Your Majesty with everything, and even making Your Majesty worry and go look personally — truly dereliction of duty!"

"Hahaha, hahaha! Empress, you listen, you listen————"

"Heard it, heard it; I see Prince Huai hates that he can't move the capital to Pingyang."

"Hahaha————"

The Sage Emperor nearly laughed tears out.

Clearly Pingyang Prefecture's officials boarded the ship together with Liang Qu to escort the imperial carriage, yet Su Guishan, Yang Dongxiong and several others stood at the side like lackeys, unable to even get a greeting in, only watching Liang Qu and the Sage Emperor performing a duet here.

The little Shen Dragon coiled around Liang Qu's forearm, biting its tail, studying earnestly, hating that it couldn't pull out paper and brush on the spot to take notes.

Must learn, have to learn.

Fall behind and you can't evolve; can't evolve and you get beaten.

Civil and military officials cooperated with laughter; toward Prince Huai's slightly rude, offensive words this time, the flattering posture — they had long since seen it so much they were no longer surprised.

A handsome person, that's called charm.

An ugly one, that's harassment.

At any time, the first impression is always the most important, laying the foundation for everything; if the second impression overlaps with it, it's almost impossible to change.

Ordinary people entering the court, seeing the Sage Emperor, at worst having passed the civil or military examinations, twenty-seven or twenty-eight, thirty-five or thirty-six.

This is merely being able to see him once; it doesn't mean becoming a "regular"; perhaps they didn't even leave a first impression; by the time they become "regulars," who knows how long; a middle-aged man simply cannot give people a "lively" impression.

Liang Qu is different; at eighteen, in the prime of youth he began to appear; his first appearance defeated Hanru Khan, directly establishing a firm foothold; by twenty-two he became Entering Zhen Xiang, unstoppable.

Young, vigorous, active, unrestrained, speaking his mind, born lowly but not ashamed — that is the impression Liang Qu left on everyone; seeing Liang Qu is like seeing Great Shun's thriving vitality, the dynasty's vigor; based on this, doing things that match the impression makes it "not considered strange."

After becoming King, Liang Qu didn't change much either; he just became more particular in doing things.

Finished speaking, finished laughing, only then did it become Su Guishan, Yang Dongxiong and the others' turn to offer greetings.

The Sage Emperor stopped laughing, routinely inquired about the fief situation, the Martial Hall disciples' studies.

Sunlight through the window, from behind Su Guishan and Yang Dongxiong, slowly moved to in front of them.

"Good." The Sage Emperor rose, "We have traveled by boat and carriage laboriously this whole way, finally arriving at Nanzhili; everyone, disembark, let's see this world's number one great port — what it actually looks like!"

"Yes!" The eunuch turned and shouted loudly, "Prepare the imperial carriage, go ashore!"

"Go ashore, go ashore, go ashore!"

One cry after another, shaking and scattering the layered clouds.

At the deck edges, wooden planks stood tall, raised high and lowered flat, pairs interlocking, neat and uniform, resounding as one piece, connecting with the riverbank, laid into a roadway wide enough for horses to gallop.

Dragon Blood Horses lined both sides, exhaling streams of air. Silver-armored knights held high the great 【banner/standard】, lightly clamped horse flanks, trotted down the planks like surging water, forming ranks on both sides.

Long wind rolled, banners fluttered, covering sky and blotting out sun.

"My my."

Lan Prefecture Port, ten thousand people surging, staring with mouths agape.

Ordinary ship gangplanks are nothing more than a single long wooden board laid between vessel and shore to facilitate the loading of livestock and the passage of passengers — when has one ever witnessed a spectacle so grand?

The Sky Feather Guards cleared the way as Liang Qu, Su Guishan, and Yang Dongxiong accompanied them. The Sage Emperor and his civil and military ministers disembarked and personally arrived in Lanzhou to inspect conditions; the Lanzhou Department Magistrate attended on both sides, holding nothing back in his answers.

Long Eying was pulled aside by the Empress for a talk.

A massive sunshade canopy blocked the scorching sun — and also the falling bird droppings.

Lanzhou does not fall under Liang Qu's jurisdiction; the Yixing fief lies within Pingyang Prefecture, but Pingyang Prefecture's overall affairs are handled by Su Guishan and belong to the imperial court — even if issues arise, they cannot be pinned on him.

Conversely, his own fief is much the same: although a share must be rendered to the imperial court and the court supervises and audits the accounts, as long as he does not stir up trouble within his own fief and earn a reputation for debauchery and cruelty that provokes the wrath of heaven and resentment of men, it matters not.

With nothing pressing on either side, Liang Qu stole a moment to shift his steps and sidled up to the Wu Sheng trailing a few paces behind.

"Dragon Elephant King! Su King! Chong King! Long time no see! And these two — earlier you were in a rush to speak with His Majesty and did not greet us; much discourtesy."

1

A gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall.

When the Sage Emperor travels, Martial Saints naturally accompany him.

The great southern border affair of the third month has lasted until this sixth month first day — over two months — and the Yellow Shahe obstruction incident has basically concluded. Zhang Longxiang returned from the southern border frontier for this reason, and accompanying him was Chong King, who has coordinated with Liang Qu many times.

Without Northern Court pressure, the southern border collapsed; Great Shun's manpower was ample. From the stockade suppression to the Dry Bones affair to this year's Yellow Shahe matter, Chong King established meritorious service, entered the capital to audience the Sage Emperor, personally received his rewards, and simultaneously accompanied the Sage Emperor southward as a mark of favor.

Aside from the two kings, there was also the old acquaintance Su King; two Imperial Clansman Kings, totaling five kings.

Five Martial Saints — what an exaggerated deployment; the entire Lingnan border garrison's standing Martial Saints number only three.

"Huai King, long time no see."

"No matter, a trifle."

An Imperial Clansman King cupped his hands: "I have long heard that Huai King's fief thrives prosperously, flourishing day by day; my family's nephews and nieces have visited and constantly praise it in my ears, saying it is rare in heaven and unique on earth. Curiosity inevitably arose, but daily duties kept me from traveling; today I finally have leisure — Huai King must entertain us well."

"Hahaha, certainly certainly. I wonder if your esteemed nephews and nieces are boys or girls; I shall prepare a gift——"

"Good good good."

"After the waterway, the harbor——"

"Replying to Your Majesty, since the waterway's construction, harbor goods have increased with each passing day——"

After strolling a circuit, the Sage Emperor entered the local prefectural government office, sat at the head seat, and perused various documents and case files while everyone followed and took their seats.

The government office was not large, but had all essential organs.

On the walls the xiezhi stared with copper-bell eyes; water-and-fire rods were neatly arrayed. The chief clerk holding the case files was flustered, his head covered in profuse——

sweat, and handed them to the inner attendant, who then presented them.

Aside from the five kings, Su Guishan, Yang Dongxiong, the Lanzhou Department Magistrate, six Grand Secretaries, nine high officials, the Superintendent, and two inner attendants, everyone else waited outside the main hall; even the Sky Feather Guards could only stand at the doorway.

With fewer people, it became quiet, leaving only the sound of the Sage Emperor turning pages and asking questions.

Liang Qu's eyes flickered.

Too many civil and military officials on the royal barge — inconvenient to converse; once docked, the commoners crowded — even less convenient to converse——

Inner attendants served tea; hot vapor curled.

The atmosphere fell briefly silent; Liang Qu set down his teacup.

"Ah——"

The five kings' ears twitched; they glanced at Liang Qu, perplexed yet fearing a misunderstanding or mishearing the source, so none spoke.

Seeing no one speak, Liang Qu increased the intensity.

"Cough cough——"

The Sage Emperor raised his eyes.

All the high officials cast sidelong glances.

Everyone now confirmed that Liang Qu indeed had some movement.

Chong King's expression shifted as he asked: "Huai King, this—— why the sigh?"

Liang Qu perked up, shifted his buttocks, slumped his back, and wore a face of misery: "Desire—— Chong King is unaware; recently an incident occurred that forces me to sigh——"

Su Guishan's eye corner twitched.

It's coming, it's coming!

On the Creation Treasure Ship he endured it, evaded it — never imagined he would fail to evade it before the Sage Emperor!

"If Huai King truly has a matter, it just so happens His Majesty is present today; you might as well speak clearly. If it can be resolved, it is certainly a good thing——" Chong King persuaded.

Liang Qu hesitated, struggled a moment, leaned back against the chair and waved his hand: "Ah, forget it, forget it; it is my own affair after all. Speaking it would only make everyone worry along with me — not saying it, not saying it."

A feint.

Su Guishan choked on his saliva.

The Sage Emperor glanced at Su Guishan, then at the expectant Chong King, and continued burying his head in the files. Su King and the Imperial Clansman Kings, seeing this, said no more; Dragon Elephant King glanced at Liang Qu and continued meditating with eyes closed.

Huh?

Liang Qu looked left and right.

A long moment.

Liang Qu scratched his temples, touched his hair.

A book suddenly flew at him; Liang Qu caught it in a fluster.

The Sage Emperor laughed and scolded: "If you have fart, let it out quick! Hemming and hawing, putting on airs before Us? Is it because you built a traveling palace for this escort and want some reward?"

"Cough, no no." Liang Qu clenched his fist and coughed into his knuckles. "It's not anything major either; mainly I'm afraid speaking it will worry Your Majesty."

"Someone come!"

"Here!"

The Sky Feather Guards at the door strode in and knelt on one knee.

The Sage Emperor pointed at the main gate: "You two, carry Huai King and throw him out!"

"No need to be so formal, Your Majesty, speak speak speak, I'll speak." Liang Qu didn't dare beat around the bush, lowered his brows and eyes, a face full of sorrow, let out a long mournful sigh, "It's me being too eager for quick success and instant benefit, recently something actually went wrong in my cultivation. Don't know what's going on, can't connect with the Boundless Sea anymore, now using divine abilities, creation arts, same as when in Entering Zhen Xiang, have to consume strength."

"What?"

The Imperial Prince cried out in alarm.

Su Guishan widened his eyes.

Not right, situation's not right, with that smug energy of yours, shouldn't it be something good?

King Chong, King Longxiang, long stationed at the border, first vigilance scanned surroundings, directly True Gang covered, isolating inside and outside.

A Wu Sheng can't connect with the Boundless Sea?

"You're not joking?" Zhang Longxiang frowned.

"Swear to heaven."

"This————"

Everyone looked at each other, hearts shocked.

One of the biggest signs of Entering Zhen Xiang into Yao Long, is the Qi Sea turning into Boundless Sea, divine abilities can be infinitely exerted, endlessly raising the upper limit, letting combat power undergo a qualitative change.

What does being unable to connect with the Boundless Sea mean?

Since ancient times, twenty-eight Martial Saints have almost never appeared, Liang Qu's talent is exceptional, looking forward to Furnace View is something everyone knows, him not looking forward to Furnace View, being content with the status quo would be strange, and him trying the Thousand Seas Boundless Method, several battles down, is also widely known, for this how many resources were spent.

Without that massive, far surpassing others' terrifying root sea, he's just an ordinary Third Stage Wu Sheng.

No, even worse.

At least an ordinary Third Stage Wu Sheng has their own Boundless Sea.

Half-crippled!

The bottom of Martial Saints!

The Sage Emperor stared at the Sky Feather Guards: "You two————"

"Your Majesty rest assured, today's matter, leak half a fraction, regardless of whether it's this minister who leaked it, just take this minister's life!"

The Sky Feather Guards spoke sonorously and forcefully.

The Sage Emperor nodded, let the two stand to the side.

King Chong had a headache: "Such a major matter, how could King Huai speak it out so easily? Good thing those present today are all pillars of my Great Shun, if it were another place, letting South Frontier, North Court know, what to do?"

"King Chong's worry is not without reason, just also no need for excessive anxiety." King Su was still calm, "Martial Saints all have stones in the river, King Huai's situation is special, but as long as in my Great Shun's heartland, no need to worry about ambush, just deterrence against other nations will be less by a fraction."

Liang Qu's strength doesn't count as Yao Long top tier, but by today, South Frontier, North Court probably both have some apprehension, Liang Qu falls————

"Such an important matter, you actually still dare beat around the bush, what exactly happened?" The Sage Emperor demanded, "Quickly tell! Why like this, did you eat something, or see someone?"

Seemed like played a bit too big, Liang Qu didn't dare delay further: "Your Majesty knows my relationship with Bai Yuan, only in May ate one Horse King Pill refined from a Little Horse King carcass."

Zhang Longxiang coldly: "There's a spy in the Pill Workshop?"

King Su concentrated: "Your Majesty, the Pill Workshop is my dynasty's The Most Critical Priority, core pivot, now this kind of thing happens, the urgent task at hand, is dispatch the Three Law Offices, quickly detain the Pill Workshop people, the people who refine precious pills, not a single one can————"

"Wait wait, no no, King Su, King Longxiang, you misunderstood, not a defective pill issue." Liang Qu embarrassed, originally wanted to suppress first then raise, now didn't dare, words fired in rapid succession, "Mainly the Horse King's medicinal effect too fierce, I'm also a bit special, currently speculate, might have nurtured a Position Fruit embryo!

Silent.

Within the Eye Identification Method, five kings, Su Guishan, Yang Dongxiong, Lanzhou Department Magistrate, Heng Position Grand Scholar, nine high officials, Steward, two Sky Feather Guards, twenty-seven gazes, not one missing, all landed on him.

Sunlight shifted, the cup's point of glint circled along an arc shifting.

"Ha."

The jumping eyelid stopped jumping, the twitching mouth corner also stopped twitching.

Su Guishan straightened his waist, slightly raised his head, eyebrows raised exhaling pride.

Don't understand Yao Long cultivation, still don't understand Liang Ashui?

This art just knows!

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