[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-552":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},1055361,1365,"Chapter 552 - 549: Tolerant and Benevolent","imperial-cultivation-chapter-552",552,"\u003Cp>```html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe looked at Chu Zhiyuan in a daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"This should be his hiding place, no outsiders here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen laughed, \"Indeed, this is my secret hiding place. I’m impressed the Princely Heir could find it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister Xu,\" Ma Tianhe cupped his hands, \"What is the current situation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless thoughts surged in his mind, but he forcibly suppressed them and focused intently on Xu Jingwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen gave a bitter smile, \"I felt the situation was not looking good, so I came here to hide, waiting for the Princely Heir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe said, \"Could it be that Da Meng’s Rain Listening Platform has discovered you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen shook his head, \"They haven’t discovered me yet, but I feel like they’re not far off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen said, \"Two of my single-line contact spies have already disappeared.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe’s face darkened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen shook his head, \"In the past few days, a formidable character arrived at Rain Listening Platform, and two of my spies were lost in one go. So I realized something was wrong; hiding here was the best option.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe frowned and asked, \"Who’s come to Rain Listening Platform?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I couldn’t find out,\" Xu Jingwen shook his head, \"A very mysterious figure, obviously skilled in tracking Concealment Techniques, possibly even surpassing a Great Grandmaster.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe’s face was serious, \"The Inspection Department hasn’t received this information.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve already passed the message up,\" Xu Jingwen said, \"Perhaps it wasn’t relayed to you, Minister Ma.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe frowned thoughtfully, \"So, Minister Xu, what do you plan to do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I plan to lay low for a while and observe the situation,\" Xu Jingwen said, \"It’s best to know who this person is before trying to deal with it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe nodded, \"That indeed seems more prudent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the face of danger, the best approach is to preserve oneself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reckless action would only increase losses, which would be unwise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen smiled, \"With the Princely Heir here, I feel at ease.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Great Grandmaster, and a royal Great Grandmaster at that, could be considered the strongest martial support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Inspection Department in Tianjing finally has a formidable force to rely upon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"It seems Rain Listening Platform hasn’t tracked you here yet, otherwise...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head, \"You can’t escape a Great Grandmaster’s tracking in this villa.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen frowned, \"Can they really track me from so far away?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between this manor and Tianjing lies a wide river capable of blocking one’s aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"Unless you can set up an Array to truly block the aura.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An Array?\" Xu Jingwen shook his head with a bitter smile, \"It’s not possible to find an Array now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting up an Array requires a master proficient in arrays, but as far as he knows, Da Jing currently lacks such a master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrays of heaven and earth differ from military formations, being more complex and grandiose studies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through generations, military formations have been preserved, while arrays of heaven and earth have been lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe laughed, \"Minister Xu, you have your fair lady as company, hiding here is also a delightful thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen quickly waved his hand with a bitter smile, \"It’s just a coincidental opportunity, a coincidence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe said, \"Your blessings are not shallow, being with a disciple of the Phoenix Sword Sect, truly enviable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Phoenix Sword Sect?\" Xu Jingwen was taken aback, his expression changed slightly, \"What Phoenix Sword Sect?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe laughed, \"Does Minister Xu not know she is a disciple of the Phoenix Sword Sect?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen’s expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly waved his hand, \"Impossible! Impossible!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe sighed, \"It seems she hid her identity. Does she know Minister Xu’s identity?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could she possibly know?\" Xu Jingwen shook his head, his face gloomy, his brows tightly furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe said, \"It’s just as well she doesn’t; otherwise, she’d probably capture you directly. The Phoenix Sword Sect is no ordinary sect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen shook his head, \"She wouldn’t.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why wouldn’t she?\" Ma Tianhe said, \"She’s a disciple of the Phoenix Sword Sect!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen’s face was gloomy, his gaze burning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"Minister Xu, you need to think about how to handle the relationship between the two of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe softly said, \"Princely Heir, could it be she already knows Minister Xu’s identity beforehand?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, \"Disciples of the Phoenix Sword Sect wouldn’t act in such an underhanded manner.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phoenix Sword Sect disciples disdain such devious tactics, aiming for an open and straightforward approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen glared coldly at Ma Tianhe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe said, \"Worried it might be a honey trap; Minister Xu, your position is too important, can’t be too careful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen chuckled and said, \"Minister Ma is indeed imaginative! No need for a honey trap; they could just capture me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe said, \"If they captured you directly, you certainly wouldn’t reveal the secrets.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen snorted, \"If I were truly captured, I can’t say I’d withstand torture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"It likely isn’t a honey trap... Minister Xu, you need to think clearly, whether you want to be with her for life or cut the emotional ties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe quickly said, \"Why hesitate? Naturally, you should sever this fleeting relationship; why ruin your future over a woman?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt Xu Jingwen was unreasonable, his head clouded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was actually hesitating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was there to hesitate about?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"If you, Minister Xu, cannot part with her, then resign from your post and stay in Da Meng with her, taking the secret to your grave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen’s identity was perfect, almost impossible to uncover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The key was not to let other spies connect back to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as he resigned, ceased contact with other spies, and handed off responsibilities to someone else, he would be out of danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what about Madame Xu?!\" Ma Tianhe quickly said, \"Minister Xu, you have two children as well!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen gave a bitter smile, \"The children...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan discreetly raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed Xu Jingwen had some secret matters with his two children and wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly said, \"Minister Xu, have you thought it through? Do you really want to resign? Best not rush the decision; think it over first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe became anxious on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly said, \"Princely Heir!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan waved his hand, \"Everyone has their ambitions, no need to force... Minister Xu has worked hard; if the Inspection Department pursues, they’ll come to me first!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe stomped and sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xu Jingwen truly resigned, staying with a Phoenix Sword Sect female disciple, how would that not be betrayal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Men and women being together, who could tell when secrets might slip out during a dream?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any secret leaking would be a significant loss to the Inspection Department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, Xu Jingwen himself was a rare talent, leaving the Inspection Department would also be a massive loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even more concerning was the fear that Xu Jingwen might wholly defect to Da Meng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be the greatest loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Princely Heir’s decision here is unwise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While a benevolent future Emperor is a good thing for courtiers, serving such an Emperor would not lead to a tragic end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But sometimes benevolence isn’t the best option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Benevolence cannot command an army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like in this situation, the optimal approach would be to have Xu Jingwen return to Da Jing, change positions, and not come back to Da Meng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the woman wants to go to Da Jing, she can; if not, they part ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This would avoid future troubles, clean and efficient, unlike the current indecisive mess with endless problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, at the same time, he felt an inexplicable peace of mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For meritorious ministers to be treated with such warmth rather than pure self-interest means as a courtier, one can serve with confidence, without worrying about retreat or self-preservation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But who knows if, after the Princely Heir ascends to the imperial throne, this benevolence will be worn away, turning him into a cold-blooded emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen, with a changing expression, deeply bowed, \"The Princely Heir’s great kindness, without a way to repay, I am ashamed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan asked, \"Do you really want to resign? To stay in Da Meng and not return?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you have a suitable successor?\" Chu Zhiyuan asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen gave a bitter smile and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked at Ma Tianhe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe was taken aback, pointed at himself, \"Princely Heir, me—?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then quickly waved his hands, \"Princely Heir, I’ve already shown my face, can’t be the leader of spies here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"Then send word to the Inspection Department, have them send a replacement over, you first hand over the duties with Minister Xu and act temporarily.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This would also sever Xu Jingwen’s contact with the next in line, protecting both parties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Understood.\" Ma Tianhe sighed regrettably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked at Xu Jingwen, \"Minister Xu, the path you’ve chosen is not easy to tread.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen gritted his teeth, \"I ask the Princely Heir to grant my wish.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded, \"Paper can’t cover fire forever. I’m afraid one day it’ll be exposed, and by then...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jingwen said, \"Being able to spend one more day with her is good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe secretly chuckled, truly unsure what madness had seized Xu Jingwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At such an age, he turned into a romantic fool, losing his bearings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded, \"As long as you don’t regret it, you may leave now. In a couple of days, Minister Ma will find you for the handover.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>```\u003C\u002Fp>",1619,"2026-06-03T09:58:17.452Z","2026-06-03T09:58:23.466Z",1,"novelbin.me","040edbeea2adf7b4f1677c7be1e52fbb6d9faf751d705ad9aad42b552339a4b0","imperial-cultivation-chapter-553","imperial-cultivation-chapter-551",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]