[{"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-188":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},2347203,4587,"Chapter 188: Traitors and Rebels, Block the Road","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-188",188,"\u003Cp>“The Junior Protector has ordered: announce this to the capital!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today’s prohibition: violators shall be executed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cavalry surged forward, hooves thundering in rhythmic waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flag-bearers held their banners, striking the watchwood to silence the streets!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every alley in the capital was occupied by Lu family troops, with posts every dozen steps and patrol units weaving through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flags fluttered wildly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The populace stirred at the news; those with sense shut their doors, fearing entanglement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vendors hastily packed up their stalls, daring not to linger a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Streets lay empty, save for countless eyes peering silently from atop towers and pavilions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The capital's turbulent changes lay bare before their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dalisi , the Jinwu Guard Headquarters, the Criminal Ministry’s prison, and every key government office had been sealed by Lu family generals under orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the Hongwen Hall!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two elderly men with white hair stood side by side, their expressions complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hongwen Hall was an innovation of the late Daqing emperor’s reign: twenty thousand scrolls gathered in the Hongwen Hall, established to house classics and serve as a hall for recruiting talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was both the imperial library and the emperor’s venue for summoning literary scholars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behold!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young general clad in heavy armor sat astride a towering steed, surrounded by a thousand elite soldiers, completely encircling the Hongwen Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tugged lightly on the reins, his voice steady and powerful, cutting through the crowd:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Junior Protector has ordered: the capital is under lockdown today. Please return home. Do not defy the order!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze was shadowed—if not for the strategist’s command to treat these scholars with courtesy, he would have stormed the building already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he let them stand outside?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two elders at the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was Du Jing, the current director of the Hongwen Hall and a Grand Secretary of the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other elder was Zou Lin, the old man Lu Chen had met playing chess in the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Lin, former Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy, was not only Du Jing’s fellow townsman but also his fellow Metropolitan Graduate; their bond ran deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Lin had just arrived in the capital, intending to rest briefly before visiting the Hongwen Hall to find lodging and reunite with his old friend—never expecting the capital’s situation to shift so abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had barely entered the city when the entire capital was sealed—no one allowed in or out!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Jing and Zou Lin exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Jing was about to speak, but Zou Lin shook his head slightly, signaling him to remain silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this moment, arguing with generals clad in armor and commanding vast armies was like\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A scholar meeting a soldier—reason falls on deaf ears!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them, a group of Confucian scholars and students gradually gathered—some from the Jiangnan water towns, others from across the empire—all drawn to the Hongwen Hall for their unique insights on state policy, literature, or other disciplines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hongwen Hall not only provided them generous stipends but also comfortable lodgings, allowing these scholars to devote themselves entirely to study, freely exchange ideas, and debate state affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To enter the Hongwen Hall’s gates in the capital was to be held in the highest esteem, hailed as a “Scholar.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those with exceptional talent could even be recommended by a Grand Secretary to rise to the honored positions of Eastern Palace Literary Attendant or Hanlin Academy Academician.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Long was among these scholars; he and Zou Lin, along with Zou Shuning, had crossed the river to the capital and lodged within the Hongwen Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he never expected!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here he encountered two familiar faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two fat and thin scholars from the temple by Yue Tang River.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fat scholar excelled in calligraphy; the thin one in painting—both had been specially appointed as Direct Scholars by the Hongwen Hall for their rare talents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Lin, upon recognizing them, felt a quiet satisfaction—he had never imagined the two he met in the temple possessed such extraordinary ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, Feng Long’s mood was dark, his eyes tinged with displeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the fat and thin scholars greeted him, Feng Long ignored them completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young general sat atop his horse, whip in hand, his tone calm yet carrying undeniable authority:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gentlemen, please return to the hall. The Junior Protector has ordered a citywide lockdown.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words carried a warning:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If everyone complies, no one will be harmed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Lin listened, his expression serene—he had long heard of the Lu family army’s strict discipline and knew they were not indiscriminate killers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Jing’s expression, however, was deeply conflicted; his face flushed between pale and crimson, angered by the general’s arrogance—even high-ranking ministers treated him with deference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, as director of the Hongwen Hall, he felt it his duty to speak up and set the record straight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Junior Protector, as a minister, issuing orders to the capital—that was an act of profound disrespect!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The capital was ultimately the Son of Heaven’s domain; how could anyone arbitrarily impose lockdown?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since ancient times, the order between ruler and minister has been sacred!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Jing lightly brushed his robe, his tone carrying a faint, unspoken pride:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am the director of the Hongwen Hall, a Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy, and honored by the Crown Prince as one of his literary attendants. I am Du Jing, Zi Shen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With each title he uttered, his voice grew heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he finished!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Jing straightened his back and looked at the general on horseback: “General, might I be granted an audience with the Junior Protector? I have heartfelt words to share—perhaps they may serve as wise counsel to resolve this crisis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do not create a moment where ruler and minister are at odds. Since ancient times, ministers have served the Son of Heaven—do not leave behind a name stained in history.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If the Junior Protector has erred, General, you too will bear responsibility.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young general, hearing this string of titles, was thoroughly bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was merely a subordinate commander of the Lu family army, commanding thousands of elite troops—his domain was battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew little of the court’s intricate bureaucracy or the world of scholar-officials; terms like “Hongwen Hall” and “Grand Secretary” were foreign to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he understood the last sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young general’s face darkened; he cracked his whip, the air splitting with a sonic boom, his voice cold:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does an old fool like you dare instruct the Junior Protector?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who the hell are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Jing froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, the Hongwen scholars erupted in righteous fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Junior Protector of Zhongnan Mountain treated them with respect—how dare this man insult the director of the Hongwen Hall? Was this not a slap to their faces?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A mere captain of a thousand men dares to be so arrogant!” someone sneered, dripping with contempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another scoffed: “I wonder what rank this general holds? I am also a Censor of the Censorate—just one memorial, and your hat will be off your head.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I, though unworthy, also hold the post of Censor of the Censorate, with authority to impeach all officials—those who defy the law are on my list!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another shouted out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Voices rose one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scholars’ clamor grew louder and louder; they showed no fear of the armored soldiers, as if in their eyes, these warriors were nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were Daqing’s elite, the pillars of the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the result of Daqing’s long-standing preference for literature over martial affairs—scholars held exalted status, and every dynastic transition relied on their power to stabilize the regime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell us your name, sir!” someone in the crowd shouted challengingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young general laughed heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Jiang He—go ahead and report me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this only inflamed the crowd further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Long stood among them, his chest already swollen with suppressed resentment and hatred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Lu Chen’s true identity—the middle-aged man he had met in the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Long recalled Lu Chen riding the wind across the river, and the adoring looks on those women’s faces—his jealousy burned like fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Shen Zhou—a usurper of the throne, deserving death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Long could no longer contain himself—he shouted aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice exploded like thunder through the crowd, instantly igniting everyone’s fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Shen Zhou! Traitorous rebel!” The crowd roared in unison, voices swelling higher and higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scholars echoed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fat and thin scholars, upon hearing this, stared in shock and confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were no fools—they clearly understood the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lu family army had entered the capital; the city was already in their hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How dare you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the crowd surged in fury, a rapid clatter of hooves approached from afar, shattering the chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice of the Cavalry Captain pierced the noise, clear to every ear:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Junior Protector passes! All must yield!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sudden announcement startled everyone; they all turned to look toward the source of the voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A squad of armored cavalry, wielding long spears, galloped toward them and lined the road on both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hongwen Hall stood right beside Wumen, near the imperial palace, and was the only route into the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Jing’s eyes lit up—he saw a chance. He shoved aside those beside him and hurried out onto the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Lin failed to stop him in time!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of Confucian scholars likewise raised their heads and rushed forward en masse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They blocked the road in a dense, swarming mass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1582,"2026-06-21T01:32:57.622Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","6d234292abe73a8e3ae0287ba072cdf1da687552848e58d79d39e802f866aed8","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-189","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-187",728,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsimulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-cover.jpg"]