[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten":3,"chapter-simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-122":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Simulated to Reality: I Once Looked Down Upon Ten Thousand Ages?",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2347137,4587,"Chapter 122: Old Chen, One of the Three Great Masters","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-122",122,"\u003Cp>In the political structure of Daqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Inspection Bureau, the Western Depot, and the Dalisi , they have both conflicting powers and mutual oversight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Inspection Bureau is responsible for monitoring all officials, ensuring the court’s integrity and fairness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Western Depot is an institution established by eunuchs, directly accountable to the Emperor, specializing in investigating hidden cases and holding the right to submit secret memorials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dalisi  reviews and oversees all cases nationwide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These three have conflicting powers!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the previous emperor’s death, the Western Depot’s authority has gradually shifted into the hands of the Grand Empress Dowager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This woman, long secluded within the deep palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Grand Empress Dowager, a mysterious presence in the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Lu Chen and his two sons entered the capital, this Grand Empress Dowager once stepped outside the inner palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To this day!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifteen years have passed, and she has never left the palace’s inner courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in seclusion, her influence is everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She holds partial military power and commands support from court factions, maintaining a degree of control over the current emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, strangely enough!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite holding immense power, the Grand Empress Dowager never interferes in court affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet no one in court dares to dismiss her words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Second Prince ascended the throne, he attempted to reestablish the Eastern Depot to counterbalance the Western Depot and curb the Grand Empress Dowager’s power, but failed utterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eastern Depot’s strength is far inferior to the Western Depot’s; over these years, the people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only know the Western Depot, not the Eastern Depot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is not merely due to the Grand Empress Dowager’s deep power, but also because within the palace there exists a Nine-Thousand-Year-Old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Nine-Thousand-Year-Old—Chen Sanzhong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Bao’s master, a centenarian, the Grand Empress Dowager’s personal eunuch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His other identity is one of Daqing’s Four Great Masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His status is exalted beyond measure, even revered by all eunuchs as “Old Ancestor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the capital, the Western Depot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Located south of the capital, this area is mostly inhabited by “middle-class” people, covering more than eight hundred mu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main gate is grand, no less imposing than the capital’s government office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure slowly approaches!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ordinary-looking, medium-built old man, pale-faced and beardless, with white hair and a youthful complexion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze is remarkably kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around his waist is a jade belt glittering with jewels, its intricate and exquisite patterns revealing its preciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this prosperous capital, few give it more than a passing glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the peace between Bei Feng and Daqing was sealed, under the mediation of the former Bei Feng Princess, relations between the two nations have reached unprecedented harmony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many capital residents now refer to the two nations as “brothers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Border markets have been opened, allowing resource exchange; Bei Feng’s specialties now flow smoothly into the capital for sale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carriages laden with jade roll continuously from the north; camel caravans from the desert trudge slowly forward; veiled Bei Feng women enter the gates of Daqing’s capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adding a unique hue to this bustling city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The capital’s prosperity is unmatched in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive influx of Bei Feng jade has gradually made these once-precious stones commonplace in the capital’s markets, their value correspondingly diminished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, one can easily purchase these once-coveted stones for only one-tenth of their former price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the flourishing capital, such jade belts have become ordinary, drawing no attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The capital is full of nobles!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drop a brick, and you’ll hit someone whose ancestry reaches back three generations of imperial relatives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man strolls leisurely down the street, carrying a paper-wrapped bundle of steaming buns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The buns inside the oiled paper jiggle gently, oil seeping out, their aroma rich and enticing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the prison gate, the guards recognize the old man and let him pass without obstruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man also serves at the Western Depot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He holds a clerical post, primarily verifying the birth dates and monthly stipends of the palace ladies, reconciling accounts monthly with the Ministry of Rites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though seemingly a leisurely task, it demands extreme precision—no error is tolerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For if a mistake occurs, the palace consorts whisper in the emperor’s ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minor errors bring severe punishment; major ones cost lives. Over the years, many have died here over trivial mistakes, instilling deep fear among eunuchs for this position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Western Depot decided to recruit outsiders for this role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This former dynasty’s old eunuch “volunteered”—and has served fifteen years without a single error.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quite remarkable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Western Depot calls him Old Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he’s on early shift and didn’t sleep well!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two guards yawn repeatedly, eyeing the old man’s oiled-paper bundle of fragrant meat buns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They don’t hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grab one casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bite into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One word: delicious—faces filled with bliss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Chen, you’re here so early today?” one guard asked with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man chuckled: “Ma Zhangyin’s back, so I came to see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two guards ate buns while chatting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Chen, I’ll say this for you—you’ve given us plenty, so I’ll give you a tip today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ma Zhangyin may be powerful now, with some swagger in the Western Depot, but do you know? The emperor died right before his eyes—that’s a grave sin for a servant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s long been distrusted by the emperor; he might be forced to retire within these few years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t waste your efforts—when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man still smiled: “I know what I’m doing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The left guard reached for the remaining buns, but the old man stopped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six buns—four vanished in two hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only two left!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man guarded the remaining two, smiling: “One for Ma Zhangyin, one for this old man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The right guard seized one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just leave one for Zhangyin, Old Chen, you don’t need it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man stared at the single remaining bun, sighed helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This won’t end well!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard who got no bun grumbled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Ma Zhangyin weren’t Old Ancestor’s disciple, he’d have been expelled from the Western Depot long ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And Old Ancestor is already over a hundred and twenty—he won’t live much longer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nearby guard immediately cut in: “Don’t speak nonsense—that’s a head-offending remark!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard quickly apologized, pretending to slap his own mouth:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Ancestor, may you live ten thousand years—forgive my mouth!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then glared sternly at the old man: “Old Chen, don’t say such things. Don’t listen to what you shouldn’t—if you do, we won’t be gentle with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Chen quickly replied: “Didn’t hear a thing. Heard nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two guards then urged:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get inside!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Western Depot is designed like a deep palace courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divided into outer and inner courtyards: front for administration, back for interrogation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also two levels: below lies the dungeon, holding prisoners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The layout is convoluted, windows few, no sunlight—strangers often get lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man, without notice, had already passed the outer courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entered the stern inner courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pushed open a door inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three men were already inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Bao, the newly returned Zhangyin eunuch from Mount Zhongnan, immediately bowed respectfully to the old man:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pay homage to your master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man nodded faintly and handed the steamed bun in his hand to Ma Bao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You did well. Eat it while it’s hot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leave none of those little eunuchs alive who came this way toward Mount Zhongnan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Bao naturally understood his meaning; though unwilling, he nodded reluctantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Western Depot, the master is heaven itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man was none other than the Nine-Thousand-Year-Old, Chen Sanzhong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides Ma Bao and Chen Sanzhong, there were two others in the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was an elderly monk with a kind and benevolent face; the other was a stern middle-aged man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes were fixed on Chen Sanzhong, awaiting his next words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Sanzhong spoke slowly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Grand Empress Dowager has summoned the two of you here to kill one man.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, the old monk frowned slightly and asked in a hoarse voice: \"To kill one man to save the world—do you call this good or evil?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged man, however, was more direct and cold. He spoke in a flat tone:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I only need what was promised to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Sanzhong nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Junior Protector is already on his way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This Lu family’s young marshal, Lu Yu, is also a Grand Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged man spoke coolly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To die at the hands of three Grand Masters is already an honor for him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old monk and the middle-aged man were none other than:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Xiaoyue, who built his hut on Pingniu Ridge and was hailed as \"The First Palm of the World,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and the Foolish Monk of Lingxi Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1452,"2026-06-21T01:32:57.622Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","0936c1cce9e29175792fef2c8d907cee06681c4ce873ee17f4ddf05eaf5afd2b","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-123","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-121",728,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsimulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-cover.jpg"]