[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-58":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},1054567,1365,"Chapter 58 - 58 56 The Minister of Clan Affairs","imperial-cultivation-chapter-58",58,"\u003Cp>58: Chapter 56 The Minister of Clan Affairs 58: Chapter 56 The Minister of Clan Affairs Chu Zhiyao was in high spirits and full of confidence as he descended seven steps, coming before the four people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept his fists clasped, his face beaming with a smile: “Nephew apologizes for not welcoming you from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please forgive me, Third Uncle and Third Aunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Father is currently having a conversation with Uncle Nine…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>being reprimanded by Uncle Nine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Uncle Nine…” Chu Minghou shook his head with a smile, evaluating Chu Zhiyao: “Yao’er, you’ve grown up too, heroic and vigorous, not at all inferior to your father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly commendable, commendable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Chu Zhiyao in front of him, it was as if he was seeing a young Prince Xuan, a feeling of affection rose, stemming from the closeness of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third Uncle, you’re flattering me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please, come inside quickly,” Chu Zhiyao said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said: “Third Brother, it’s been a tiring day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, it’s nothing compared to the border.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Nine and Old Ten, they’ve all arrived, even Uncle Eighteen is here too,” Chu Zhiyao replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled: “We’re the closest, yet we arrived the latest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they walked inside, passing the tall threshold of the main gate and turning past the wall adorned with blessings of longevity, they were greeted by a lush grove of pine trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guest Welcoming Pine, Beauty Pine, Myriad Leaf Pine…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>each species of pine stood proud under the lights, teeming with vitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan shook his head secretly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To plant pine trees in the front hall, this Fourth Uncle, Prince Xuan, was indeed quite peculiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These pine trees were all meticulously pruned, evidently well cared for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the pines stood two exquisite pavilions with octagonal flying eaves and carved beams and painted rafters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Decorative lanterns illuminated the pavilions with a warm glow, while the hearths inside burned red hot, the heat contained by surrounding curtains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, it was a winter night, unsuitable for civil servants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only those with profound cultivation remained in the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two small pavilions were already filled with people, laughter and banter echoing throughout, creating a bustling scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan and the three others followed Chu Zhiyao towards the front hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The front hall was veiled with thick white felt curtains, obscuring the scene inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Chu Zhiyuan saw with his Super Sense was that inside the front hall, it was cold and quiet, with only two people talking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was a middle-aged man as robust as a lion, the other an emaciated elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emaciated elder walked with hands behind his back, speaking as the lion-like middle-aged man bowed his head, obediently listening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You, can’t you do something proper all day long?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just for a birthday, such a big fuss is necessary?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You never did this in previous years!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because of Yao’er?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that Yao’er is accomplished, you feel capable too, eager to show off?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Nine—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And with so many officials, it’s unnoticeable how many ministers you’ve unknowingly befriended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re truly remarkable at social maneuvering!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Nine misunderstands,” the lion-like middle-aged man hastily waved his hand: “I only tried sending out posts, unexpectedly, everyone came.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s because you have a big enough face!” The emaciated elder sneered: “Once the post went out, all officials of Third Grade and above came to offer gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doesn’t that seem too greedy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Nine, I won’t accept their gifts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who knows if you’ll accept or not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I absolutely won’t!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Returning gifts also earns you a wave of goodwill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a shrewd calculation, Old Fourth, I didn’t see you had such a skill, quite impressive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Nine, please stop mocking me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mock you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s you mocking me!” The emaciated elder snorted: “If I’d known, I’d have spared this trip, shouldn’t have come!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Nine, you’re really misunderstanding me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just wanted them to see, I, Old Fourth, am not idle, I also contribute to the Court!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What contributions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, because of Yao’er; you think having raised a good son is a big achievement!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Nine, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alright, alright, fortunately, Yao’er doesn’t take after you but rather our elder brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That too is my ability, having a son like Father,” his tone filled with unending pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyao stopped, awkwardly turning to look at Chu Minghou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Minghou shook his head with a bitter smile, raising his voice: “Uncle Nine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan saw that the two behind the thick felt curtains turned their heads to look over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyao stepped forward and lifted the curtain, motioning for them to enter the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Minghou took the lead, stepping into the hall, cupping his fists and bowing deeply: “Nephew Minghou pays respects to Uncle Nine!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Third!” The emaciated elder hurried forward two steps, helping Chu Minghou up, assessing him, and, seeing the white hair at his temples, his eyes reddened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third Brother, Third Sister-in-law.” The lion-like middle-aged man clasped his fists with a smiling face: “Third Sister-in-law, you remain as elegant as ever.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang pursed her lips with a light laugh: “Fourth Brother, congratulations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emaciated elder Chu Qingyan held Chu Minghou’s hand, his eyes red, lips trembling: “Minghou, you’ve aged quite a bit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Nine is still as strong as ever, unchanged,” Chu Minghou said, gripping his hand with a smile: “Still so vigorous when scolding people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph, shouldn’t Old Fourth be scolded?” Chu Qingyan drew back the moisture in his eyes, his earlier excitement seemingly an illusion, and cast a sidelong glance at Chu Mingqiang: “Looking like an arrogant upstart, disgracing our Chu Family!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ning Shuang pays respects to Uncle Nine.” Bai Ningshuang curtseyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings to Uncle Nine.” Both Chu Zhiyuan and Chu Yi also bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh…” Chu Qingyan nodded to Bai Ningshuang, then gazed at Chu Zhiyuan and Chu Yi, sighing: “In the blink of an eye, Bai girl, you’ve become a mother, yet you still look as playful as ever…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan’er is a successful child, Third Brother is truly fortunate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang chuckled lightly: “Uncle Nine, you are the first to say the Prince is fortunate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Qingyan laughed: “Old Third married you, such a virtuous helper, with such obedient daughters and accomplished sons, isn’t he satisfied?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ke ke…” Bai Ningshuang laughed, her smile like a blossoming flower: “Uncle Nine, you really know how to compliment people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Minghou said with a smile: “Uncle Nine, today is Fourth Brother’s birthday, to reprimand him can wait until after today, let’s not spoil everyone’s mood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright then.” Chu Qingyan nodded with a smile, but turning his head, his expression turned stern, glaring at Prince Xuan, Chu Mingqiang: “Learn to use your brain!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Nine is always biased toward Third Brother.” Chu Mingqiang muttered a few words, hurriedly saying: “Uncle Nine, Third Brother, come, let’s be seated behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Sister-in-law, you ladies are in another courtyard, Yao’er, Yao’er!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyao hurried forward: “Father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take your Third Aunt and the others to find your mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Mingqiang then led Chu Qingyan, Chu Minghou, and Chu Zhiyuan directly to the eastern side courtyard, quickly arriving at the rear courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard of the eastern rear garden was spacious, paved with blue bricks, and there were some plum blossoms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main house had eight rooms, and each of the east and west wing rooms also had eight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The front rooms were all open at this time, each room very lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Minghou and Chu Qingyan went to the central eastern room of the main house, while Chu Zhiyuan entered the central western room of the main house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he entered, he saw Chu Mingxuan, Chu Zhitian, and Chu Zhichuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him arrive, the thirty or so youths around the table all stood and cupped their fists in greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan returned the greeting with a cupped fist and went to the main guest seat by Chu Mingxuan, smiling: “Uncle Eighteen, you’re not going to the room next door?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Over there, it’s too uncomfortable, conversations wouldn’t align,” Chu Mingxuan waved his hand: “It’s more lively here; you know I like to be where the fun is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhitian agreed: “Exactly, exactly, Uncle Eighteen should be here where it’s lively!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Going over there listening to them talk makes one drowsy, too boring!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Mingxuan pulled Chu Zhiyuan to sit beside him: “You saw Uncle Nine, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Mingxuan acted relieved, patting his chest: “Good thing I came early, escaped a disaster.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed: “Uncle Eighteen, it’s not that bad, is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Every time he sees me, he has to nag for ages, it gives me a headache,” Chu Mingxuan said with grimace: “Afraid of running into him by arriving late, so I came early.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others all empathized, wearing expressions of fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan finally understood they arrived so early just to avoid Great Grandmaster Chu Qingyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Great Grandmaster, akin to the Director of the Court’s Registry, he was the most powerful and respected person of the Da Jing royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For these juniors, Chu Qingyan was always painstakingly advising, fearing they wouldn’t walk the right path or work hard, as soon as he saw them, he would mentor them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those present were all from Mingwu Hall, specially arranged by Chu Zhiyao to gather in one room, thus the atmosphere was the liveliest and most dynamic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Mingxuan leaned in, chuckling: “Old Fourth, aren’t you curious, with men and women seated separately, how to meet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled: “Being separated isn’t surprising.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Da Jing Dynasty was open-minded, but not to the point of men and women sitting at the same table; a table for men and a table for women was the basic norm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Mingxuan said: “After dinner, there’ll be theatre, acrobatics and martial displays, then it won’t be segregated seating, you’ll get to see the Commandery Princesses, County Lords, and maidens of each family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded but didn’t pay much attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Food and wine were quickly served.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, being among close individuals, with Chu Mingxuan as the senior most, Chu Zhiyao personally stayed to accompany.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Chu Mingxuan present, adept at creating an atmosphere, there was no fear of the banquet turning dull, soon the air was filled with enjoyment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the meal, Chu Zhiyao said with a smile: “Later, some folks will come over to toast, Old Fourth, be careful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan was puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyao said: “Heard someone saying you plan to marry Xiao girl from the Duke An Mansion, the number one beauty of Yujing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many folks have eyes on that Xiao girl.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan chuckled: “Baseless rumor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since it’s circulated, there’s likely some truth,” Chu Zhiyao laughed: “No smoke without fire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled without arguing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Duke An Mansion indeed intended to marry Xiao Ruoling to him, only needing his nod, and the marriage would pretty much be set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being a hereditary State Duke Mansion, the current Duke An was mediocre, talent limited, acting cautiously and conservatively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the Prince Qing Mansion had declined, the identity of a Prince still stood firm, not to mention King Qing’s reputation was good, being straightforward and loyal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heir of a State Duke married to a Prince Heir was considered well-matched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan had been hesitant to give his assent because he hadn’t seen her in person and didn’t know Xiao Ruoling’s character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While it was hard for a great man to avoid having an unvirtuous wife or unfilial children, he didn’t want too much involvement in romantic affairs, preferring to focus on cultivation to become a Great Grandmaster sooner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, a stable household was needed to allow him peace of mind for cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, if her conduct was poor, no matter how beautiful, he couldn’t marry her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If her character was good enough, marrying her would be acceptable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been indecisive because forming an alliance with the Duke An Mansion also had benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the current generation of Duke An Mansion was not strong, as a hereditary State Duke Mansion, forming a marriage alliance could indeed bolster the position of the Prince Qing Mansion by three points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he had been vague about the matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was always looking for an opportunity, hoping to see the Inspection Department’s dossier on the Duke An Mansion, thereby obtaining a thorough understanding of the Duke An Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the opportunity had never presented itself.\u003C\u002Fp>",2058,"2026-06-03T09:57:57.826Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.811Z",1,"novelbin.me","e67193c9d9144b4c1a321bb5c19aaf63030e110cfcfd494d777b77e19a3a19e6","imperial-cultivation-chapter-59","imperial-cultivation-chapter-57",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]