[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-64":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},1054573,1365,"Chapter 64 - 64 62 Meaning","imperial-cultivation-chapter-64",64,"\u003Cp>64: Chapter 62 Meaning 64: Chapter 62 Meaning “`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Chu Zhiyuan went to the Ministry of Rites office to register, Gao Lingfeng hurriedly followed and cupped his hands: “Sir, the doctor requests your presence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doctor of the Sect Martial Department is Prince Jing’an.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current Emperor has few brothers; the father of Prince Jing’an was the Emperor’s own brother, born of the same mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, this Prince Cheng met an untimely death at the hands of an ambush by Da Meng’s Iron Cavalry while gaining merit in the army during his youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time, Prince Jing’an was just born.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Prince Jing’an acts low profile; though he is a doctor, he seems to be invisible, as if idly spending his days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The various departments within the Ministry of Rites are not gathered together, each has its own courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan’s courtyard was adjacent to the doctor’s, having only met Prince Jing’an once during his initial appointment; the rest of the time, they barely crossed paths, as if he never came to the office all day long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a Junior Minister, Chu Zhiyuan had to come daily to register, whereas the doctor, being the highest officer of the Sect Martial Department, need not be concerned with registering or not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have seen the doctor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan cupped his hands in salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the desk sat a middle-aged man with a monkey-like appearance, small and thin, with two small, shiny black mustaches, accentuating his bright, beady eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was Prince Jing’an, Chu Jinglu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the royal family, such appearances were really rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s alright, not an outsider, don’t be formal.” Prince Jing’an Chu Jinglu waved his hand: “I called you over because there’s something you need to know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said: “Is it about receiving the Da Zhen Mission?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not relax because Prince Jing’an said he wasn’t an outsider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was true that Prince Jing’an was not an outsider, with close blood ties, just like Chu Mingxuan, he too was his uncle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since they were in the Ministry of Rites, they naturally had to adhere to public protocol and hierarchical relations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving the Ministry, it wouldn’t be too late to call him uncle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You should go along this time to welcome them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just join in and have fun, no matter what, it won’t hurt to see the Da Zhen Mission.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The key is Cheng Tianfeng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you know about it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, do you know why the Emperor places such importance on your competition with Cheng Tianfeng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not just about our Da Jing’s face?” Chu Zhiyuan pondered: “Are there other reasons?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it was merely about Da Jing’s reputation, Chu Jinglu wouldn’t ask like this; clearly, it involved other factors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our Da Jing and Da Zhen want to turn from enemies to allies, to jointly resist Da Meng, both sides must show sincerity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it through marriage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who will marry whom?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That will depend on the outcome of your competition this time…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>if you win, we will marry a Da Zhen princess, if you lose, we’ll have to marry off a princess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t this too frivolous?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder the Emperor was so generous, agreeing to all demands; it was all about either marrying a Da Zhen princess or sending a Da Jing princess away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one wants to marry off a princess, always feeling inferior to the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But using such a manner is a bit too frivolous, like a child’s play, truly unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Jinglu said: “After all, we aim to form an alliance, taking it too seriously would harm the harmony, so this playful manner is just right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes.” Chu Zhiyuan seemed to reluctantly agree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning a serious matter into a playful one is indeed clever, it all depends on the perspective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So don’t take it lightly, treat it seriously, don’t hold back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This warns against hiding one’s strength and holding back, leading to unnecessary defeat and major loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words were clearly not from Chu Jinglu himself, but merely passed on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, if you really can’t win, you must at least exert your utmost effort, otherwise…” Chu Jinglu shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir, if we lose, which princess will be sent?” Chu Zhiyuan asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood the hidden meaning in Chu Jinglu’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he lost, the entire Court would blame him for the disgrace, whether it was the Emperor or the princess’s consort, all would resent him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To dispel such resentment, the best method was the ruse de guerre, exhaust all effort to the point of severe injury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s uncertain which princess will be sent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm—?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Both sides must agree, it cannot be one-sided.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do we have eligible princesses in Da Jing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eligible princesses were all married off or engaged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Da Jing’s princesses were very sought after, with no restrictions on the prince consort’s official capacity, and Da Jing princesses were well-bred, rarely haughty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So many princesses had suitors from birth, often engaged at twelve or thirteen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn’t be feasible to dissolve an existing engagement just to marry Da Zhen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Jinglu said: “Commandery Princesses, County Lords, daughters of Dukes or Marquises aren’t necessarily out of question, if the other side agrees, a princess status can be granted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given that, there’s likely no one willing to send their daughters to Da Zhen, truly a departure never to return, never to be seen again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor wouldn’t want it, nor would the Prince Mansion, Duke Mansion, Marquis Mansion, or any such family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So his task was heavy, only victory was not an option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Cheng Tianfeng wins this time, it’s likely he will choose.” Chu Jinglu sank his face: “It depends on which household’s maiden he favors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cheng Tianfeng is just a Princely Heir,” Chu Zhiyuan frowned: “Isn’t it supposed to be a royal marriage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marriage alliances usually involve the Emperor, but since both sides’ Emperors were advanced in age, and not in the stage to take consorts, it was not unreasonable for a prince to marry their princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a Princely Heir, the status difference was too vast, making the impact much lesser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Da Zhen’s most exceptional Princely Heir, even if he can’t become Emperor, holds a pivotal role in the royal family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The method of selecting an emperor is the same for Da Zhen, Da Jing, and Da Meng, first becoming a Great Grandmaster before qualifying for the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without becoming a Great Grandmaster, one cannot wield the Emperor’s Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With both inherent talent and opportunity, one can attain Great Grandmaster status, thus being destined for the throne through fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor wields the Emperor’s Sword with formidable power, ensuring a stable throne, hence there’s no fear of brothers or uncles, instead, their assistance is needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As aids, naturally the stronger, the better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan frowned: “Sir, if I win, who will marry a lady from Da Zhen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It should be you.” Chu Jinglu smiled: “Others, Da Zhen probably won’t agree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…” Chu Zhiyuan’s eyebrows knitted tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never expected this answer, nor had he thought about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Always felt that such matters would never fall upon him, too distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a Princely Heir, moreover of Prince Qing, and among whom the most likely to achieve Great Grandmaster ascendancy was Prince Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His father, Prince Qing, never practiced martial arts, having been in the Prince Mansion for thirty years, obviously disfavored by the Emperor, and by extension, leaving him bereft of favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marry a Da Zhen princess or Commandery Princess?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He should hasten and have his mother propose to Duke An Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marrying a Da Zhen woman was less favorable than marrying Xiao Ruoling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With an engagement to Xiao Ruoling, and being from Duke Mansion, the Emperor couldn’t forcibly separate them, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he did marry a Da Zhen woman, precedence should follow; Xiao Ruoling being first, would be the primary consort, capable of overseeing concubines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Xiao Ruoling’s martial arts, at this point, it’s less significant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least she isn’t from an Evil Sect, otherwise, it couldn’t escape the Emperor’s Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s Sword forbids evil, an Evil Sect legacy can’t be concealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every year, the Duke and family must enter the palace, join the Imperial Palace banquets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The engagement with Xiao Ruoling should proceed swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given that daughters from families as prestigious as Duke An Mansion undergo careful and elaborate engagement, marriage, and wedding procedures, even if they fancy him, such haste is seldom accommodated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it could be concealed from the Emperor, that would be ideal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, that’s nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the marriage with Xiao Ruoling is quite uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Jinglu laughed: “Then, you could visit Da Zhen like Cheng Tianfeng, selecting the one you fancy, at your liking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha…” Chu Jinglu couldn’t help but laugh aloud, seeing his troubled face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sighed: “Sir, there’s nothing funny about this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Jinglu laughed heartily: “Such pleasant matters, yet you’re looking so worried!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said: “Marrying a Da Zhen woman, doesn’t it bring endless trouble?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What difference does it make whether a woman is from Da Zhen or Da Jing, once in the inner chambers, they’re your woman,” Chu Jinglu shook his head: “You think too much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan neither refuted nor agreed, silently dissenting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rest assured, the Court won’t distrust you because your woman is from Da Zhen.” Chu Jinglu said: “Otherwise, those generals would’ve been removed long ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow, showing interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems many generals marry foreign women?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One can easily imagine, these generals perhaps captured enemy women during campaigns, taking them for their beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Jinglu waved his hand: “Alright, just remember to be aware yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, sir.” Chu Zhiyuan solemnly cupped his hands, bade farewell, and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned and headed back to Prince Qing Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1646,"2026-06-03T09:57:57.826Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.811Z",1,"novelbin.me","e93e52cdf7682aa4542b24f18c25d587123ec176c4bc9956ab4d888cb2b03578","imperial-cultivation-chapter-65","imperial-cultivation-chapter-63",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]