[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-389":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},1054548,1365,"Chapter 389 - 386 Next in Line","imperial-cultivation-chapter-389",389,"\u003Cp>```html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao leisurely put down the book and looked at Chu Zhiyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan saw the book she was reading, which was \"Three Dynasties Ancient and Modern Descriptions\" written by a famous scholar of Da Zhen, Zhou Jichang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It discusses why Da Meng, Da Jing, and Da Zhen cannot coexist and why the wars never cease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The analysis is quite profound, but the insights are not as deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Da Jing and Da Zhen originate from the same source, a fraternal dispute, whereas Da Meng and Da Jing and Da Zhen are different. The endless wars are not only due to old grudges or interests, but involve deeper layers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It involves a clash of two civilizations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having read this thin volume, Chu Zhiyuan deeply agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the book somewhat exaggerates by disregarding many complex factors and magnifying one particular factor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The perspective is rather extreme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan asked, \"Do you think what this book says makes sense?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Somewhat.\" Li Hongzhao lightly frowned: \"Seemingly plausible yet highly provocative.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled at her beautiful face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao snorted, \"This Zhou, his motives are questionable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"Many people have read this book; it is widely circulated in Da Jing. Almost everyone concerned with court politics has a copy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao remarked, \"It’s as if he fears Da Meng and Da Jing and Da Zhen aren’t fighting fiercely enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan responded, \"At least what he says about Da Jing and Da Zhen is quite accurate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao snorted, \"Between Da Meng and Da Jing, it’s a battle of civilizations, a war rooted in origins, while Da Jing and Da Zhen’s quarrel is as ridiculous as brothers fighting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, watching her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao stated, \"In the end, it’s just a conflict of interests; what’s so superior about that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, \"We always need a reasonable excuse for the on-off relationship between us and Da Zhen, one that both peoples can accept.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao spoke a truth in a single sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of the day, it’s all about interests; this talk of brothers fighting is merely a beautified saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s true that Da Jing and Da Zhen share cultural roots, with not much difference in customs, unlike the stark contrast with Da Meng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But cultural roots or not, different customs or similar, none of that matters when it comes to interests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Concerning interests, even brothers, or father and son, can fight to the death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The relationship between Da Jing and Da Zhen completely depends on Da Meng’s rise and fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Da Meng flourishes, Da Jing and Da Zhen unite; when Da Meng declines, Da Jing and Da Zhen separate, fighting viciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The normal thought is that when Da Meng declines, Da Jing and Da Zhen should unite and, taking the opportunity, eliminate Da Meng to share in its spoils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that’s impossible in practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Firstly, the cost is too high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Secondly, the mutual vigilance makes it impossible to work together sincerely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thirdly, once Da Meng is defeated, there will be no buffer between the two dynasties, leading to perpetual war, fighting to the death, with only one side surviving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither side has the advantage, let alone the necessity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When that situation arises, who knows how many civilians would die, and the power of the Emperor’s Sword would be significantly weakened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao looked at him with bright eyes filled with laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked at her quizzically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao smiled, \"Have you heard the news outside?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The news that the Eighteenth Princess looks down on you and would rather die than marry you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Utterly boring.\" Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, \"Someone is trying to stir up trouble. Let it be.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t you want to refute the rumors?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Refute what?\" Chu Zhiyuan said, \"That’s basically the truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk tsk...\" Li Hongzhao laughed charmingly, \"Aren’t you the least bit angry? Considering how condescending they are, don’t you want to retaliate?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked at her speechlessly, \"Was it you who did this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I haven’t even had time to react.\" Li Hongzhao said, \"This move is indeed brilliant. I’ve learned something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"If it really was you, then be prepared to lose some spies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao snorted, \"Such rumors are impossible to trace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She waved her jade-like hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, dossiers and boxes were moved onto the stone table in the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were six document boxes in total.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan stared at these document boxes, smiling, \"Don’t underestimate the Military Suppression Department.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Military Suppression Department has very tight control over the Inner City in Yujing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each hall and courtyard divides the Inner City into small areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They are well-informed about every area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yujing City may seem bustling, with a constant flow of people entering the city,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>but the population movement within the Inner City follows a pattern and occurs within specific areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Other places remain relatively stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, the Military Suppression Department’s control over Yujing City is very strong; if they really wanted to investigate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the rumor-monger escaped unscathed, they could still get a general idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Chu Zhiyuan was reluctant to get entangled in this matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more you cling to it, the more memorable it becomes; if you treat it lightly, people shift their attention quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such royal rumors are innumerable; today’s this, tomorrow’s that, always something to grab attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao snorted, \"Don’t you think the timing of the rumor is strange?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Strange about what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I always feel something is amiss.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does it seem like Wentian Cliff’s method?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Not quite.\" Li Hongzhao thought for a moment, shaking her head, \"Wentian Cliff wouldn’t stoop to such lowly means, nor would they disdain to use it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, \"Wentian Cliff has its own arrogance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Arrogance reaching the sky.\" Li Hongzhao snorted, \"They see all people as chess pieces without a second thought.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Including the Emperor?\" Chu Zhiyuan asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao hesitated, eventually nodding lightly, \"Including the Emperor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan pointed at the seven document boxes, \"Is this all?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Already quite a lot.\" Li Hongzhao snorted, \"Information from Wentian Cliff is extremely hard to gather.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded, saying no more, and eagerly started reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flipped through the dossiers at an incredible speed, as if casually skimming rather than carefully reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In reality, through the Insight of Super Sense, he could imprint everything into his brain at a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could later reflect on it slowly and ponder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao lightly frowned at Chu Zhiyuan, realizing his reading speed was astonishing, felt a shiver in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She would never believe Chu Zhiyuan was just flipping through them for show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such an astonishing speed in handling documents is a remarkable talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speed and capability in handling documents determine the range of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially if he becomes the Emperor, it would be critical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court’s affairs compete with cultivation for time; time is limited—more time on court affairs means less for cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his speed, it truly wouldn’t delay cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Chu Zhiyuan was still reading, the food was already served at the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan continued to read while eating the dishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao elegantly ate her meal, her red lips gently chewing gracefully and attractively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Chu Zhiyuan finished reading the dossiers and filled his stomach, he contentedly raised his wine cup and drank it all in one go, then put it down with a smile and said, \"Truly worthy of being the number one spies of Da Meng!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These dossiers contain far more detailed and comprehensive records than the Inspection Department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of intelligence gathering, the Inspection Department indeed falls short of Da Meng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From this intelligence, one can deduce how Da Meng’s spies are arranged inversely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is something the Inspection Department needs to learn from and strive to improve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading these, he gained a more comprehensive understanding of Wentian Cliff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked at Li Hongzhao, \"Is Gao Jiuqu’s identity really so important?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once he reaches the level of Great Grandmaster, he will succeed to the position of Cliff Master.\" Li Hongzhao solemnly stated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan pondered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao snorted, \"Look down on him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"I’m just thinking, with his temperament, is he really suitable to be the Cliff Master?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you think Wentian Cliff’s Cliff Master is adept at scheming?\" Li Hongzhao laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sighed, \"My vision is indeed too narrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao said, \"Now you understand, Wentian Cliff follows open schemes, no need for conspiracies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>```\u003C\u002Fp>",1407,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.105Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.813Z",1,"novelbin.me","40fe403d0cf640aaf460cbd20c2395a35d9a77a479434301474a94e47a53141a","imperial-cultivation-chapter-390","imperial-cultivation-chapter-388",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]