Chapter 1220

Even in the world of "Sword Stained with Royal Blood," where martial arts are in decline, he is a top-tier expert in a class of his own.

Although Yuan Chengzhi's upper limit does not reach that of Brother Linghu Chong, who learned the "Dugu Nine Swords."

His starting point when he first debuted was much higher.

Speaking of which, during the battle at Black Wood Cliff back then.

Brother Linghu Chong escaped with the original copy of the "Sunflower Manual."

Gu Hanyuan only found a copy of the "Sunflower Manual" in Dongfang Bubai's room while he was staying at Black Wood Cliff.

Now, several months have passed.

Brother Linghu Chong has completely vanished without a trace.

It is unknown whether he went to learn that "Sunflower Manual."

Brother Linghu Chong originally relied on the resources provided by Dongfang Bubai to break through to the Grandmaster Realm.

If he were to learn the "Sunflower Manual" as well.

Combined with the "Dugu Nine Swords."

The vast majority of Grandmasters would have no way to deal with him.

Even if Ren Woxing were to run into him, it is possible he would capsize in the gutter.

Gu Hanyuan's thoughts wandered a bit here.

Seeing Gu Hanyuan full of confidence, Zhu Meichuo.

Also revealed a satisfied smile.

As for the evidence Gu Hanyuan mentioned, she had no intention of getting to the bottom of it.

She smiled gently and gracefully:

"Then I will leave the matter of Jiao Gongli to Young Master Gu."

Gu Hanyuan came back to his senses.

He smiled faintly:

"Miss Ajiu, rest assured, I never break my word."

With the important matters finished.

The conversation between the two gradually became more casual.

Zhu Meichuo suddenly asked with flickering eyes:

"What is Young Master Gu's opinion on the Donglin Party?"

Within the Ming Guo, evaluations of the Chongzhen reign are polarized.

Some believe it was Emperor Chongzhen's incompetence that led to the severe loss of Ming Guo's strength.

Others believe it was the incompetence of the Donglin Party in power.

Gu Hanyuan mocked contemptuously:

"Capable only of internal strife, incompetent in external struggles; they are merely people who harm the country and the people, caring only for power and profit."

Zhu Meichuo's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

What Gu Hanyuan said is against the trend in the current environment.

After all, although the Donglin Party fought fiercely in politics.

Many people praised them as loyal ministers.

Especially when they were deeply persecuted by Wei Zhongxian.

Out of sympathy for the weak.

They won over quite a lot of public support.

Therefore, Gu Hanyuan's words seemed unique.

Zhu Meichuo asked expectantly:

"Does Young Master Gu also feel that my father was deceived by the Donglin Party?"

Gu Hanyuan naturally knew what Zhu Meichuo wanted to hear.

Weighing his tone.

He sighed regretfully and said:

"Emperor Chongzhen can be considered a clean and good emperor, but he was just too impatient. The death of Wei Zhongxian meant no one could keep the Donglin Party in check, and they became the sole power in the imperial court; it was inevitable that Emperor Chongzhen would be blinded."

Zhu Meichuo's expression showed slight joy.

Although Gu Hanyuan did not speak directly for Chongzhen.

This objective statement instead seemed more authentic.

Perhaps it was because Gu Hanyuan had said something good.

Zhu Meichuo instead became concerned about Emperor Chongzhen's other faults.

She sighed:

"It is a pity that my father killed Yuan Chonghuan, otherwise he would not have been taken advantage of by the rebel thieves."

Gu Hanyuan's eyes flickered slightly.

Historically, opinions on Yuan Chonghuan have been mixed, and it is difficult to judge his merits and faults.

The experience of Yuan Chonghuan in this world is much the same.

Gu Hanyuan naturally chose a more suitable narrative.

He said with a hint of mockery:

"Yuan Chonghuan killed Mao Wenlong without authorization; he cannot be considered innocent. Although Mao Wenlong listened to orders but not to summons, he tied up a great deal of the Qing Guo's energy in Liaodong. Once Mao Wenlong died, the Qing Guo could safely enter the pass. If not for the external threat of the Qing Guo, Li Zicheng might not have been able to take advantage of the internal emptiness, sweeping through everything, and ultimately forcing Emperor Chongzhen to commit suicide for his country."

Sure enough.

Zhu Meichuo felt much better upon hearing this.

This was reflected on her face, as her expression relaxed a bit more.

She said with an inexplicable tone:

"Many people criticize my father for killing Yuan Chonghuan; I did not expect to hear kind words from Young Master Gu."

Gu Hanyuan said noncommittally:

"Most of those criticizing Emperor Chongzhen are civil officials and Confucian scholars, right?"

Zhu Meichuo was startled upon hearing this.

After a moment of thought, she affirmed:

"That is indeed the case."

"If they did not criticize Emperor Chongzhen, wouldn't that prove the fault lay with the Donglin Party? It is merely for the sake of the civil officials' stance."

Gu Hanyuan's tone became increasingly mocking.

Setting aside the early dynasty.

Apart from a very small minority, the civil officials of the late dynasty.

Were mostly busy with internal strife.

And were the fastest to surrender to external forces.

The Confucian classics became tools for them to compete for profit once they reached their hands.

Especially since this world is about to enter a chaotic era.

One only needs to look at the situation in the Song Guo imperial court to know the severity of their harm to the country.

Zhu Meichuo's beautiful eyes shone.

She suddenly felt enlightened.

She bowed gracefully and said:

"Young Master Gu's words hit the nail on the head; Ajiu has learned much."

She felt more and more that Gu Hanyuan's insights were incisive and unique.

Suddenly, her expression shifted.

She asked with a light smile:

"I heard that Yuan Chonghuan's son has also come to Jin Ling City; what is Young Master Gu's opinion?"

Gu Hanyuan looked at Zhu Meichuo with a half-smile upon hearing this.

He said faintly:

"I have already met Yuan Chengzhi at the Wen family; his Wu Gong is not bad."

Zhu Meichuo felt her face grow warm under Gu Hanyuan's gaze.