[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-peace-decree":3,"chapter-the-peace-decree-the-peace-decree-chapter-51":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Peace Decree",{"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},2328226,4553,"Chapter 51","the-peace-decree-chapter-51",51,"\u003Cp>The bronze tripod shook violently; in that instant, Li Guanyi seemed to hear the roar of dragons and the howl of tigers. He looked up and saw clouds gathering in the sky, twisting and swirling together, and in a haze, they took shape as colliding torrents—vast and mighty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if ready to swallow Li Guanyi whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was daytime, Li Guanyi seemed to already see the light of the White Tiger’s Seven Mansions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The convergence of civil and martial qi seemed ready to engulf the White Tiger’s Seven Mansions; Li Guanyi’s internal qi accelerated unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Daoyong’s voice pulled Li Guanyi out of that magnificent vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guanyi, Shuangtao, what are you standing there for? Come meet Master Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi stepped forward to pay his respects; the master smiled and nodded. “Spirit radiates brilliantly—fine young man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Daoyong laughed loudly and walked arm in arm with the master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Changsun Wuchou naturally fell in step with Li Guanyi, introducing him to the guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This literary gathering in Guanyi City was indeed worthy of being the grandest in Chen Guo in thirty years: renowned scholars, noble families, and great Confucians from all sects had gathered here, clustering around Master Wang Tong, who was flanked by three disciples, the eldest already in his early twenties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was from the Qinghe Fang clan, named Fang Ziqiao, his demeanor gentle as jade, most composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Changsun Wuchou smiled and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Qinghe Fang clan is one of the great clans of the realm; Fang Ziqiao is the legitimate heir, destined to lead the main house.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Calm and cunning, he already has some reputation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That youth of seventeen or eighteen is from the Du family of Yingguo’s Jingzhao, named Du Keming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Changsun Wuchou pointed with his finger toward a boy with closed eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dressed in black, his brow sharp, his entire aura like a swift blade, Changsun Wuchou whispered: “Decisive, never hesitates—a truly outstanding man. Among Master Wenzhong’s disciples, Fang Ziqiao excels in strategy, while Du Keming excels in judgment. I once heard the Strategist Rankings.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Someone evaluated that these two youths, apart, are still immature—one too strategic but indecisive, the other decisive but lacking in strategy. But together, they might already rank among the top. Perhaps they are destined to be among the top ten strategists of the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ve grown up together as fellow disciples; only they can truly unite with unreserved trust.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young boy led the way, speaking calmly: “Guests, please be seated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi and Xue Shuangtao, due to Xue Laoyezi’s status, were seated near the front; Changsun Wuchou sat beside Li Guanyi with ease, snatching two delicate pastries and shoving them into his mouth, utterly relaxed, making others instinctively drawn to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Guo’s literary splendor surpassed even that of the Central Plains’ Ying Guo, let alone other regions; these scholars and literati had brought their own descendants. Li Guanyi glanced around and guessed what was coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, after tea and music, Fang Ziqiao spoke up:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today, our master, invited by an old friend, has come to Guanyi City to meet you all—a grand literary gathering. But there is another matter: our master masters the Three Teachings and Nine Streams, dividing them into four schools—Strategy, Judgment, and Admonition—all already have disciples. Yet one remains unclaimed: the [Power] school.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, our master has come to find this final disciple—the last and most cherished student.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gazes of the scholars shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wang Tong’s reputation was immense; his disciples numbered many, mostly scions of noble families from Ying Guo and Chen Guo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To them, this represented immense resources and opportunity. So the elders rose, leaving the youths at their tables. Xue Daoyong patted Li Guanyi’s shoulder. “Guanyi, I believe in you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry—give it your all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi saw the scrolls laid out—apparently to write essays. He glanced over them, his eye twitching—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One: “Vast indeed, the people cannot name him; sublime indeed, his achievements are complete; brilliant indeed, his cultural legacy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two: “Water, fire, metal, wood, earth, grain—only through cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three: “Compose a fu on ‘The Scholar First Values Character and Vision,’ using the word ‘wen’ as the theme.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four: “Dressed in palace brocade under the moon, rowing a boat at Caishi, compose a fu with the rhyme ‘Gazing, laughing, heedless of all around.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi: “…………”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of thing is this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Complete disaster. I’m doomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recognized every character, but together, he had no idea what they meant. Meanwhile, all the noble youths—including Xue Shuangtao—had already begun writing, dissecting the sages’ words and applying them to current affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And composing a fu with the character “wen” as the rhyme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi had to admit: the decade-plus systematic education of noble youths was not without merit. They wrote furiously. The youth sighed, picked up his brush, and wrote on the scroll—his calligraphy flowed like dragons and phoenixes, masterful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Write your name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like before, when he’d answered a question by writing only the character “jie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small comfort: at least it wasn’t a blank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he set the brush down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sat there, back straight. While all others wrote furiously, he alone sat still—drawing the attention of Fang Ziqiao, Du Keming, and the boy who had led them. Not for any other reason—it was simply too conspicuous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Keming raised an eyebrow and pointed at the scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Write your answer. Why are you staring at me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Ziqiao, in white robes, walked over to the youth and bowed gently. “Young Master Li, is there some difficulty? Why not write?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The youth answered directly: “I can’t answer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gentle gentleman was stunned, then laughed helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s thought, he returned with a plate of pastries. “Then sit quietly and watch them write.” Fang Ziqiao’s voice was warm. He glanced at the three characters Li Guanyi had written and praised: “Your calligraphy is excellent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled faintly. “If you need more tea, just tap the table lightly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a rare experience, after all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi indeed began sipping tea slowly, pondering the bronze tripod’s anomaly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recalled the words of the Yin-Yang School’s [Si Ming].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is the wind and cloud of the realm gathering?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This drew glances from others—especially those who had tried to speak to the girl earlier and been rebuffed. Their faces relaxed slightly: thought he was some literary-martial prodigy, turns out he’s just a crude warrior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now we can rest easy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scrolls took a full hour to complete. Li Guanyi finished his tea but could not leave—he sat quietly, eyes closed, breathing steadily. Outside, the scholars and literati chatted of moon and flowers. Fang Ziqiao and Du Keming gathered the scrolls into a thick pile and brought them over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the scholars were present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wang Tong began reviewing them. Xue Daoyong laughed heartily: “Hahaha, let’s start with my child’s! Hahaha, everyone, no objections, right?” No one dared object—only smiled nervously. As the scrolls were unrolled, Master Wang Tong praised:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss Xue Shuangtao’s language is polished, her prose bold and heroic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet her fu is graceful, like the mist of southern rivers. Among girls her age today, few match her talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other scholars’ eyes gleamed with eagerness, ready to speak privately with Xue Daoyong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Daoyong waved his hand, cheerfully:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My granddaughter is excellent—but now, let’s see my prodigy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wang Tong smiled and nodded, searching for the scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Ziqiao reached out and placed his hand on the scroll. “Master Xue… perhaps we should wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The wine is warmed. There’s a second round of questions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Daoyong roared with laughter: “Hahaha, fool! What’s there to wait for?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come, come—let everyone see!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man pulled out the scroll like a proud uncle, unfurled it—and all leaned in, curious what genius could earn such admiration from Xue Daoyong, the Lion of Chaos, descendant of the Marquis of Xue. They saw the scroll, white as snow, with one name written upon it—its strokes were extraordinary, bone-perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence fell. Changsun Wuchou, mid-bite of a handful of Central Asian melon seeds, froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh??”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could someone capable of such stratagems fail to answer this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the sake of noble families’ dignity, this question was already simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long pause, someone stammered: “The… the calligraphy… is free and bold!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Ziqiao said gently: “That young man carries himself with dignity—he must be a true talent. Youthful arrogance, full of spirit, perhaps he found the question beneath him.” Everyone nodded vigorously, praising him. Only Xue Laoyezi’s mouth twitched—he was torn between laughter and despair. He tossed the blank scroll aside, feigning anger:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where’s Guanyi?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bring him out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The quiet youth named Wei Xuancheng pointed to a pavilion in the distance. “He just finished and was pulled over there by a stunning girl.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Laoyezi’s face paled. He stormed off. The others laughed and followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Keming said: “You always hit the mark, Xuancheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Xuancheng replied slowly: “Cutting to the heart—I want to know if he’s truly talented, or just here to mooch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Xuancheng said slowly, “You’ve hit the nail on the head—I too want to see whether that man truly has talent, or is just here to mooch meals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For an hour, he brewed seven pots of tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The copper pot was heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wrist ached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three smiled as they walked over—this was their first meeting with the youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Youthful, spirited, brilliant—naturally arrogant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their first impressions were far from favorable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they approached, they slowed their steps. Master Wang Tong coughed softly—a subtle aura spread, masking their movements. Warriors were formidable up close, but literati had their own methods—only if they got close enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They saw the youth in blue robes, seated cross-legged in the pavilion, hidden among flowers. The black blade was too heavy—he had taken it off and held it in his arms. The elegantly dressed girl paced, frowning: “Guanyi, why didn’t you answer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi sighed, honestly: “I can’t. I don’t even understand it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shuangtao looked at the youth and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When you tell stories from history, you don’t sound illiterate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you tell stories from the historical texts, you don’t sound like someone who hasn’t read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had heard those aristocratic youths sneering softly, so she rebuked them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, annoyed, she pulled Li Guanyi aside and asked; the boy, however, took it lightly, holding his blade and smiling:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just can’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, Xue Lao sighed helplessly, assuming Li Guanyi was simply unskilled in literary arts; Changsun Wuchou was curious, while the others internally chuckled—rare indeed to see Xue Lao outmaneuvered, and some even felt relieved, for given the old man’s status, claiming such a title would be effortless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Tong smiled gently: “Xue Lao, these children’s idle chatter—we shouldn’t eavesdrop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Daoyong replied cheerfully: “You’re right. This brat is unruly and didn’t answer—that was impolite.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The old man here offers his apologies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Tong laughed: “Nonsense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have some fine tea I acquired beyond the frontier—let us enjoy it together, Xue Lao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xue Shuangtao still didn’t believe it. She whispered: “Vast indeed, the people cannot name its greatness. Majestic indeed, it achieved success. Brilliant indeed, it produced culture—these are lines from the Book of Documents, praising the achievements of ancient sage-kings. This question demands praise for the present Emperor’s holy accomplishments.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The present Emperor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi did not answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could not praise him. The one hundred thirty-five copper coins Qian Zheng had given him were still neatly wrapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he ever met that Emperor, he wanted to smash those one hundred thirty-five copper coins into his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clutching his blade, he asked: “Are the achievements of ancient sage-kings still here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re gone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ten thousand palace halls have turned to dust.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy replied: “Rise and fall—they’re the same. It’s all just one phrase.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When the state prospers, the people suffer. When the state falls, the people suffer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Tong’s steps halted abruptly as he turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shuangtao said: “This is…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others usually spoke of national collapse bringing suffering—but these first four words carried even heavier weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi smiled: “It’s from when I came here…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shuangtao took over: “A passing old man recited it, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi clapped in approval:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss Bingxin is clever—you’ve already anticipated the answer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That old man’s surname was Zhang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shuangtao didn’t believe any of this. She looked at Li Guanyi and added: “Now consider another question: Master Wang Tong said, ‘To achieve greatness, a scholar must first cultivate character and insight before refining literary skill.’ This asks for your aspirations and capacity—any student could answer a few words.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi tapped his blade with a finger and smiled: “I am a warrior.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Poor with words.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shuangtao lightly kicked the boy’s calf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she saw her grandfather over there—Xue Daoyong deliberately revealed his face, frantically signaling with his eyes. Li Guanyi, facing away, unaware due to Wang Tong’s literary aura masking the scene and Xue Daoyong’s own deliberate restraint, did not notice. Xue Shuangtao thought for a moment, then extended her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On her pale palm lay a golden jade ring. She smiled: “Then, Guest Minister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This golden ring set with jade—buy your aspirations from you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this deal fair?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy laughed: “Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I arrived, I happened to meet two masters. Each of them said one thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss, would you prefer the literary version—or the martial?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shuangtao asked: “What if it’s the martial one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi thought a moment, then said: “A true man lives between heaven and earth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He must wield a three-foot sword to pacify the four seas and establish unparalleled merit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke with mockery, leaving unsaid the line: “How could one languish beneath others?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet merely wielding a three-foot sword, establishing unparalleled merit—already stood mighty and upright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Changsun Wuchou’s eyes flickered with a glint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shuangtao nodded, puzzled, then asked curiously: “And if it’s the literary one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Literary?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi gripped his blade. All he had seen and heard these past days, all ten years of wandering—he spoke calmly: “To establish the heart of heaven and earth. To secure the destiny of the people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just one phrase—and already it opened boundless horizons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Ziqiao’s smile subtly faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To continue the lost teachings of the sages.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Keming raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy had been about to naturally utter the final line, just to amuse his friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he suddenly stopped. For some reason, something choked him inside—Qian Zheng’s letters, the old farmer selling his daughter, this damned world flashed before his eyes, then surged like fire in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, that final line was no longer a simple recitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Li Guanyi truly understood that final line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first three were merely rote recitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you read books, you never grasp the power of words—only after long years, after witnessing countless things, does education complete its circle: the words once recited in youth strike the brow like a blade, precise and deadly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi lifted his black blade, pointing toward the sky and earth ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant, he understood the weight of those words—so the final phrase burst from his heart like flame. He spoke softly, as if speaking to the world for the first time:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To open peace for ten thousand generations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the scholars fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>",2546,"2026-06-20T19:20:33.127Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9b0c2cedfeeb73190f9a2b1eed0420158f3b0de0ae44b4481a5d6fcd48d2b65d","the-peace-decree-chapter-52","the-peace-decree-chapter-50",593,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-peace-decree-cover.jpg"]