Chapter 377

Invitation to Immortals Building, second floor.

Xie Yuan and the others had already learned that Xie Guan had ascended to the fourth floor to meet Su Xiang and the Third Master.

Their hearts, which had just calmed down, were once again suspended.

If Xie Guan's answers failed to satisfy the two, I fear no one could save him today.

Everyone was uneasy, wondering if Xie Guan's poetry could move Su Xiang and the Third Master.

Zhang Yunzhi had already stood up, her gaze locked on the fourth floor, her expression tense.

The people on the third floor also raised their heads one after another, looking toward the fourth floor with burning gazes.

The Invitation to Immortals Building was silent for a moment, as if everyone had forgotten the flower queen performances on the four stages of the Qunfang Banquet.

Xu Xiyue was also looking at the fourth floor.

Following Xie Guan's ascent to the fourth floor, the eunuch dressed in red python robes slowly retreated, and the transcribed poetry began to be passed down layer by layer.

"Sixth Brother, what do you think will happen to Xie Guan today?"

The Second Prince Chen Feng spoke slowly, "Can he walk off the fourth floor alive?"

Chen Feng smiled bitterly, "It's laughable to say, but even now, when I see Su Xiang, I still feel fear unconsciously."

"My mother once told me that when my Imperial Grandfather was born, it was Su Xiang who personally held him from his swaddling clothes. And then my father, and even me..."

"My mother always told me to call him 'Father Minister,' but I have always called him Su Xiang."

Upon hearing this, the Yan King's mind conjured the image of the gray-haired old man sitting behind the hanging curtain in the imperial court.

Su Xiang had been entrenched in the Daqing imperial court for nearly two hundred years, his power overwhelming, and everyone feared him like a tiger.

Even the Nine Great Surnames dared not openly refute Su Xiang in the main hall.

The true cabinet was a one-man show, and the weight of the ministerial power had made the Chen imperial family of these two hundred years almost unable to breathe.

Of course, this oppressive energy had long been pent up in the hearts of these generations of princes, turning into an unspeakable unwillingness.

However, even with resentment in their hearts, they dared not show the slightest bit, instead having to be respectful to this Su Xiang.

The dignified master of a nation, the person holding the divine artifacts, actually had to look at the face of the Su Fu to act.

But even so, what could be done?

Tracing back two generations of emperors, they had all secretly united with several of the Nine Great Surnames to launch palace coups, but no one dared to raise the banner of "clearing the monarch's side," instead aiming their spears at the Empress Dowager of the Zhuge family in the name of killing the "demon consort."

However, they all ended in failure, and the power of the imperial family declined further as a result.

The princesses and princes of the Chen family had long lost their former privileges.

The princesses were sent to intermarry with the Nine Great Surnames, and the princes were repeatedly bullied by the disciples of the Nine Great Surnames.

It wasn't until this generation that the situation had a slight turn for the better.

The Second Prince relied on the Academy, and the Yan King relied on the support of the Nine Great Surnames, finally giving the imperial family a bit of the aura of imperial descendants.

Perhaps it was because Su Xiang had shifted his focus to Great Sui in the west for the past twenty years, seemingly intending to shift his gaze slightly away from the imperial court.

Which allowed the imperial family and the Nine Great Surnames to take a breath.

Yan King Chen Ting lowered his eyes, his tone low: "Second Brother, how am I any different? Every time Su Xiang's gaze sweeps over, I dare not look directly, always feeling that the look is like a fierce beast choosing people to devour."

He paused, his voice carrying a hint of helplessness, "He has been in the court for too long..."

Chen Feng nodded slowly, his expression solemn: "Before the autumn examinations next year, according to custom, the position of the Crown Prince will be decided."

He looked up at Chen Ting, his tone carrying a hint of probing, "Sixth Brother, are you not afraid that I will take this position of the master of the nation?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Ting smiled mockingly: "Master of the nation?"

He shook his head, his gaze revealing a hint of disdain, "Second Brother, just look, can the royal decree leave the capital circuit now? You have the nerve to say such words as 'master of the nation'?"

"A single handwritten note from the Su Fu is more useful than the imperial decree of the current dynasty."

He raised his hand to smooth his wide dragon-patterned sleeves, his tone indifferent: "Of course, if you, Second Brother, sit on the throne, let me go to the north to build merit and establish a career, if..."

Before he finished speaking, Chen Feng already understood his meaning.

The north, that is the place bordering the Eternal Heaven, and also where the two pillars of Daqing are located.

Chen Ting was on good terms with the Li, Xie, and Sima families; if he went north, he might be able to accumulate strength.

If Chen Feng were just a puppet emperor, once a change occurred in the palace, Chen Ting would respond from the outside.

The two looked at each other, understanding without words. Everyone in the court knew that the two princes were fighting openly and secretly, competing for superiority in everything.

However, for the past three or four years, those with a heart would notice that although the two were superficially at odds, and even clashed several times in the court, drawing swords against each other.

But strangely!

The forces of the two princes had never canceled each other out like "soldiers and pawns," but had instead grown stronger.

There was naturally a tacit understanding in this.

Just as Chen Feng was deep in thought, he heard the Yan King change the subject.

"Do you think Xie Guan will escape death today?"

"He has also been in the limelight today; such a brilliant young man, it's a pity he is too prominent, I have long since developed a love for talent."

The Yan King paused, his gaze distant, smiling but not smiling: "If all the ministers in the court were such pleasing and talented people, it would not be a bad thing."

"All the talents of the world, gathered in the hub."

Chen Feng looked up at the fourth floor, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness and regret: "If there were no constraints today, why would I be reluctant to save face and facilitate a good story of thirst for talent?"

As he was speaking, the two saw the old eunuch in charge, dressed in bright red python robes, walking down slowly with the transcribed poetry in his hand.

A group of young eunuchs bowed and distributed the papers to everyone.

Chen Feng took the paper, his gaze falling on the lines of poetry:

"In the sky, the White Jade Capital, twelve towers and five cities."

"The immortal strokes my crown, I bind my hair to receive eternal life."

"Who else would sweep the Golden Terrace? The road is difficult, return home!"

His eyes narrowed, he quickly finished reading the poetry, then carefully put the paper away.

The Yan King also finished reading the poetry; although he was not proficient in literature, he could feel the heroic spirit of laughing at princes and nobles between the lines.

He looked up and scanned the expressions of the people on the third floor, seeing the Academy masters either pondering or shaking their heads, as if savoring it carefully, or as if weighing the deep meaning within.

Inside the Invitation to Immortals Building, there was silence for a moment.

Only the poetic charm in the poetry echoed faintly in the air, as if it had captured everyone's heart and soul.

It seems this poetry is truly extremely brilliant!

Just heard!

Chen Feng sighed in a low voice: "After today, the name of Xie Guan will move Above Bianjing."

He shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of admiration and surprise, "It seems I underestimated this Young Master Guan today."

"Not yet of age, and he has already suppressed the Qunfang Banquet with one poem."

Upon hearing this, the Yan King disagreed.

He thought to himself, what if he has talent?

Although this Xie Guan is talented, he is almost of age, yet he has not practiced martial arts or cultivated his primordial spirit, spending his days only reading in a small courtyard.

Can one read a clear world out of books?

In his eyes, this kind of weak scholar who cannot even truss a chicken is nothing more than an existence that can be destroyed with a flick of a finger.

His gaze was cold and stern.

What if one has talent in this world? Without strength, it is ultimately just a flash in the pan.

In this great era, only strength is the true foundation for standing.

～

～

Yu Ke walked down the third floor slowly, and the old eunuch in charge was still waiting in place.

Seeing Yu Ke approach, the old eunuch bowed slightly, his tone respectful.

"Young Master Guan, regarding the affairs of the Invitation to Immortals Building today, Su Xiang has already given instructions."

"Regarding these four floors, Young Master Guan may come and go as he pleases."

After saying this, he bowed and took his leave.

Yu Ke nodded, his gaze sweeping across the third floor, seeing quite a few people from the Nine Great Surnames of Above Bianjing casting their gazes toward him, among whom were not a few from the Academy, their eyes full of appreciation.

He also saw the old matriarch of the Xie family and the four Xie Hongs, but when the old matriarch saw him coming downstairs, her eyes were gloomy, and she snorted coldly, turning and leaving with the four.

Yu Ke saw this situation and had no intention of going up to greet them.

At this time, the Qunfang Banquet was nearing its end.

There was no one he knew upstairs, and if he were to rush to make friends now, he would only fear getting a cold shoulder.

There is no need to force oneself into a circle one cannot fit into.

Yu Ke was just about to go downstairs when he suddenly heard a kind voice behind him.

"Young Master Guan, after today, I fear no one in Above Bianjing will not know you."

Hearing this, Yu Ke turned to look.

A middle-aged man in a Confucian robe stood not far away.

He looked decent, with a beautiful beard, and although his complexion was slightly sickly, his eyes were gentle, smiling at him.

This person was none other than Xie Yuan's uncle—Zhuge Jian.

Yu Ke followed his memory and bowed respectfully: "Xie Guan, greets Master Jingyue."

His tone was humble, bowing his head slightly, "Master Jingyue, I truly cannot accept such words. It is just a few empty names, not worth mentioning."

Zhuge Jian looked at Xie Guan, seeing that he still had a calm expression, neither humble nor arrogant, no different from when he was in the Hongjing Courtyard, neither getting carried away by today's fame nor feeling uneasy because of everyone's attention.

He truly had the demeanor of a gentleman!

He smiled slightly, his tone gentle: "Young Master Guan, if you come to the Academy for advanced studies in the future, it will definitely be excellent. At the very least, you won't have to worry about entering the school hall again."

"One can also cultivate in the Academy, and the future will definitely be smooth."

Upon hearing this, Yu Ke felt slightly surprised.

He had just come down from the fourth floor, and Zhuge Jian already knew about him entering the Academy, which was truly a bit unexpected.

He was about to speak, but saw Zhuge Jian explain with a smile: "I am an incompetent disciple under the Third Master. The Third Master liked your interpretation of 'benevolent people and righteous scholars' very much at the time."

"The Third Master came downstairs specifically today because your words comforted his heart."

Zhuge Jian's expression was solemn, "The Third Master has had many knots in his heart, and his health is getting worse day by day, but having gained Young Master Guan's insights."

"I haven't seen the Master so happy in many years."

After hearing this, Yu Ke couldn't help but be a bit shocked.

It wasn't because of Zhuge Jian's words, but because so much time had passed since the incident in the Hongjing Courtyard.

At the time, he had chosen according to the prompt of the "Kunxu Ding."

Unexpectedly!

He hadn't reacted at the time, and it was only after so long that it happened at this Qunfang Banquet.

The depth of the scheme!

"Ah Ding, you are truly too comprehensive."

Speaking of this!

Zhuge Jian's expression straightened, and he actually bowed solemnly, his tone sincere:

"As a disciple, Zhuge Jian thanks Young Master Guan here."

Yu Ke reached out to help him up, but found that with his own strength, he couldn't shake this Master Jingyue in the slightest.

He was secretly shocked in his heart, it seems that high-ranking officials in the court, besides having learning, also need to have extraordinary cultivation to protect themselves.

Helpless, he had to wait for Zhuge Jian to finish his bow.

The people around had already cast their gazes over, and Zhuge Jian's voice was not deliberately lowered, so many people heard it clearly.

Everyone's eyes flickered, each with their own thoughts.

It seems that the Third Master coming forward to protect Xie Guan today was not without reason, and the fact that Xie Guan was about to enter the Academy was even more eye-catching.

Quite a few people from the Academy present were even more bright-eyed, Xie Guan was actually appreciated by the Third Master and was going to cultivate in the Academy.

Yu Ke smiled helplessly, "Master Jingyue, this action truly shames Xie Guan."

Just at this time!

Xie Guan noticed that more than a dozen Academy disciples in Confucian robes on the third floor were actually just like Zhuge Jian.

Bowing to him.

The third floor fell silent, all slowly looking over.

Xie Hong's eyes also moved, the people bowing were all disciples of the Third Master.

The old matriarch Xie's face became even uglier.

Yu Ke had no choice but to return the bow.

Zhuge Jian straightened up, the smile on his face undiminished.

He didn't say much, just patted Yu Ke on the shoulder lightly.

Originally, the Third Master had the intention of taking him as a disciple, but today at the Qunfang Banquet, with Xie Guan's talent, he hadn't taken him into the sect.

It was truly a pity, otherwise he would have had one more little junior brother.

After Zhuge Jian told Yu Ke everything about Xie Yuan, Zhang Yunzhi, and the others being busy and worried, he said: "I won't disturb you young people, they are on the second floor."

After saying this, Zhuge Jian turned and left.

Yu Ke said thank you and went down to the third floor.

Strangely!

Until Xie Guan went down to the fourth floor, no one on it came to greet him.

Just after going down to the fourth floor, Yu Ke saw Xie Yuan and the others waiting downstairs.

He swept his gaze and saw quite a few acquaintances.

Xie Renfeng, Zhao Yang, and others, although they didn't walk over, were also closely watching every move here not far away.

Xie Yuan didn't avoid it at all, immediately walked up, hooked his arm around Yu Ke's shoulder, leaned into his ear and whispered:

"Younger Brother Guan, you aren't being authentic! When did you become sworn brothers with the heroes of the Sanzhen Sect?

"And you didn't bring your brother along!"

A black line appeared between Yu Ke's brows.

This Xie Yuan, truly as in the simulation, faced with the crime of copying the family and exterminating the clan, his mind was only filled with Jianghu righteousness.

"Sixth Brother, there are many eyes and ears here, let's discuss it later."

"Younger Brother Guan, truly righteous!"

Yu Ke turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone, finally landing on Zhang Yunzhi, thanking her sincerely:

"Thanks to everyone's help this time."

Zhang Yunzhi's cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head without a word.

Yu Ke turned to Xu Xiyue on the side, bowed and said: "Madam Xu, thank you for your trouble this time."

Xu Xiyue nodded lightly, then said goodbye and left with a smile, "Young Master Guan, it's lively today, so I won't disturb you."

After saying this, she also turned and left.

Xie Renfeng only then noticed that on the third floor, the great Confucian Zhuge Jian of Above Bianjing was bowing to Xie Guan.

This was no ordinary act; these people were all high disciples of the Third Master, all great Confucians of the age, or famous scholars.

Moreover, their cultivation was profound.

This bow represented the recognition of the Third Master's literary lineage.

It was equivalent to Xie Guan having a true protective talisman in Above Bianjing.

Damn it!

Xie Renfeng tore the poetry Xie Guan had written, which the little eunuch had just circulated, into pieces.

I fear that after tomorrow, the streets and alleys of Above Bianjing will be discussing this concubine-born son of the Xie family.

Xie Guan must die!

(End of chapter)