[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-237":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Imperial Cultivation",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1054646,1365,"Chapter 237: 234 Assistant Minister","imperial-cultivation-chapter-237",237,"\u003Cp>Chapter 237: Chapter 234 Assistant Minister\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nimbly dodged aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red light flashed, seemingly transforming into a sea of fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Gang of the Phoenix Cry Nine Heavens Technique instantly heated the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan’s figure floated gracefully, deftly evading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He noticed her cultivation had increased significantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he made progress, she hadn’t been idle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an enemy country, always engaged in various activities, yet she never stopped advancing her cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Li Hongzhao was truly a formidable opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since she practiced the Phoenix Cry Nine Heavens Technique, which led directly to Great Grandmaster, making her an opponent among opponents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his own advancement was unusually rapid, no one knew how long he’d be stuck at Grandmaster Perfection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She might surpass him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever there’s an opportunity, he should strike to leave a psychological shadow for her, just like Cheng Tianfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan leisurely walked in her sword light, continuously shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This sword move won’t do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, this one’s acceptable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If slowed by a notch, its power would increase.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your sword moves are too quick; it detracts from their original essence, and your timing is off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though your swordsmanship is good, your skill needs more practice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chu Zhiyuan, shut up!” Li Hongzhao suddenly withdrew her sword, angrily sheathed it, and glared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, “Others ask for my guidance but never have this opportunity, yet Your Highness doesn’t treasure it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who needs your guidance!” Li Hongzhao sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan seated himself and sipped tea lightly, “Your Highness, ten Phoenix Immortal Pills to resolve a heart issue; isn’t that worth it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only five pills; if not acceptable, forget it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Six pills! But how do you divide five pills? Three for my mother or three for my father?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Four pills!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Six pills!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, then six pills!” Li Hongzhao glared at him, “Kill that fellow, and the Phoenix Immortal Pills are yours!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.” Chu Zhiyuan reluctantly agreed, “So, when do we act?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about tomorrow?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At least wait two days; the Military Suppression Department needs to prepare.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then the day after tomorrow at dawn!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening Wave Courtyard\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan examined the courtyard center; apart from some fresh earth, there were no other traces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything had returned to its original state, still the familiar Listening Wave Courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thin strands of purple light continuously drizzled down like a persistent light rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Yi stood to the side and smiled, “Princely Heir, how about it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other three women crowded around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan approvingly patted her fragrant shoulder, then patted each of them, eliciting smiles from them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Princely Heir, an Imperial Decree has arrived!” Feng Xi floated in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan raised his sword-like eyebrows and laughed, “Then let’s go and see what grace the Imperial Grandfather has bestowed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the Emperor’s reward was coming!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was filled with anticipation, striding forward energetically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of Great Grandmaster Huang Cheng, Insight was hindered, so he couldn’t be bothered to check in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving at the front yard, Huang Cheng was drinking tea with Chu Minghou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang hadn’t returned from the palace, and Chu Yi was busy in Wanqing Courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing him arrive, Huang Cheng stood up and cupped his fists, “Congratulations, Princely Heir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Imperial Envoy Huang, what is the Imperial Grandfather’s decree?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Cheng took the Imperial Decree from a red-clothed middle-aged eunuch’s purple sandalwood tray, holding it with both hands to present it to Chu Zhiyuan, “Princely Heir, I also don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan took it with both hands, opened it quickly, his face changed slightly, and looked at Chu Minghou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Minghou asked with a smile, “Yuan’er, what is the decree from the Father Emperor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Congratulations, Father.” Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Father has been given a new position.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me—?” Chu Minghou was taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Minister of Public Works Assistant Minister, Father will no longer enjoy leisure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The position of Minister of Public Works Assistant Minister makes one the first rank under the Chief of Staff, a high-ranking official.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From now on, the situation of Prince Qing Mansion will completely change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a clear signal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A signal that the Emperor no longer disdains us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The difficulties faced by Prince Qing Mansion will dissipate, with people showing interest from now on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It will no longer be a desolate place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Minghou’s character is loyal and emotional, with excellent relationships; if not for the Emperor’s attitude, it wouldn’t have been so deserted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…” Chu Minghou hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had long stayed within the mansion, focused on painting, completely uninterested in worldly affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly taking up the role of Assistant Minister of Public Works felt like a tremendous burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, “Father, take the position and let the Left and Right Vice Ministers handle the duties. I’m holding the Left Vice Minister’s position, and I’m still quite leisurely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Alas, I’m not suited for this,” Chu Minghou said with a bitter smile, looking at Huang Cheng, “Huang Cheng, tell the Father Emperor that I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, if you want to speak, you should do it yourself with Imperial Grandfather, don’t trouble Imperial Envoy Huang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I…” Chu Minghou was helpless, “I cannot speak against the Father Emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Then accept it first. If you can’t do it, we can talk about it later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, resolve the mansion’s plight, then resign if necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, looking at the situation, Father can’t continue being idle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at those Princes and Heirs, it’s rare to find any who aren’t taking up duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Receiving the Court’s salary, they have to work diligently, as the Imperial Family doesn’t keep idlers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Da Jing Dynasty, it’s not easy for the Imperial Family members to become wealthy idlers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alas… it can only be so.” Chu Minghou sighed continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan cupped his fists to thank Huang Cheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Cheng soon took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan felt quite conflicted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This reward truly couldn’t be easily described: generous it wasn’t, as it required nothing extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But economical it was for Prince Qing Mansion, indeed more significant than any other reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small price to achieve big results; one had to admire the Emperor’s stratagem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Bai Ningshuang returned to the mansion and heard the decree, her face lit up with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Yi felt that taking the position of Assistant Minister of Public Works was excellent, most suitable for Father; with mild responsibilities, it was leisurely and allowed for some laziness—most fitting indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some analysis and persuasion from the two women, Chu Minghou’s frown gradually eased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Many officials in the Ministry of Industry are talented in painting; Father might find many colleagues proficient in art, thereby mutually beneficially enhancing each other’s skills.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s reasonable.” Chu Minghou laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The family atmosphere was excellent, feeling as though they had finally weathered the storm to see the bright moon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan then mentioned his task to visit Taizhou the day after tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang didn’t ask much, while Chu Yi was assured of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All thoughts seemed focused on the issue of the Assistant Minister of Public Works, contemplating what preparations were needed and when to attend court meetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan was the Left Vice Minister but never attended morning meetings, as he was busy practicing in Mingwu Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Minghou, however, had to attend meetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such visions of the future, there was a mix of nervous excitement and busyness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The morning sun had just risen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden rays shone upon the pine forest outside Taizhou City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The snow-topped pines resembled countless soldiers with white hats, lined up in ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a clearing within the forest, over a hundred people stood solemnly in line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan saw that almost all the faces of these hundred people were unfamiliar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was different from the setup during the raid on the Yuding Sect, and there were fewer masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taizhou City was different from Yujing; the evil sect practitioners coming here weren’t as powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, it’s not feasible for one person to handle all good deeds; the Military Suppression Department had to share the responsibilities fairly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan had Huang Cheng by his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao had Su Qiuyan by her side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With these two Great Grandmasters present, no other Great Grandmasters needed to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This operation was initiated by Chu Zhiyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The specific person in charge was Huang Shiron, the Hall Master of the West Second Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was the youngest Grandmaster, a True Disciple of the White Cloud Sword Palace, and the Hall Master of the West Second Hall, with enough position and prestige.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan had completed his arrangements with Li Hongzhao, handing a series of maps to Huang Shiron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The maps indicated the experts of each evil sect, how many there were, and their respective realms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After looking at these maps, Chu Zhiyuan was astonished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had reviewed the Inspection Department’s intelligence on Taizhou after obtaining the maps; it wasn’t as detailed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1492,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.105Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.812Z",1,"novelbin.me","ebed47bc5fd9502ea3ae1e0279f2d270cce594cd01ea712235c172f00b230893","imperial-cultivation-chapter-238","imperial-cultivation-chapter-236",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]