Narration System for the Journey of Martial Arts

Page 23

Seeing the worry in his wife's eyes, Yue Buqun said, "Yu Chen was able to wait for us, so his injuries must not be too serious. Let's return to Mount Hua immediately."

Ning Zhongze nodded, looked around, and asked, "What should we do with these monks?"

Yue Buqun said unhappily, "Don't worry about it. Shaolin doesn't care either, so why should we interfere?"

"This is outrageous!" Yue Buqun slapped a tree trunk, his face shimmering with purple light.

Master Dingyi exchanged a glance with Daoist Tianmen and Master Mo Da, suddenly realizing that the feud between Mount Hua and Shaolin was not so simple.

The three of them simultaneously recalled the battle between the sword and qi at Mount Hua back then, but none of them asked about it.

Mo Da cupped his hands and said, "Junior Brother Yue, congratulations! Mount Hua is blessed with a fine disciple. Your disciple will likely become the best in the world."

Yue Buqun gave a few perfunctory replies, then hurriedly left with Linghu Chong and Yue Lingshan.

After returning to Hengyang City, the Huashan Sect group hurriedly left, heading towards Huashan Mountain.

Chapter 45 The Prince of Mouning 1

The Huashan Sect left in a hurry.

Not long after, news of the battle between Yue Yuchen, the top disciple of Mount Hua, and Dongfang Bubai, the leader of the Demonic Sect, at Mount Heng spread like wildfire.

Rumor has it that the two turned a thirty-mile radius into ruins, and ultimately the battle ended in a draw. Dongfang Bubai has returned to Blackwood Cliff to heal his injuries, and Yue Yuchen has also returned to Mount Hua to recuperate in seclusion.

Some say that Dongfang Bubai was seriously injured, and Yue Yuchen was no match for Dongfang Bubai and had died. The Huashan Sect left in a hurry to take his body back for burial.

Some say that martial law has been declared at Blackwood Cliff, the whereabouts of Dongfang Bubai are a mystery, and that a demonic elder has rebelled at Blackwood Cliff.

Various rumors circulated, but everyone believed that the Huashan Sect had surpassed Shaolin and Wudang and had the strength to fight against the Demonic Sect.

Shaolin and Wudang remained silent on the matter, and no information leaked out.

The disciples of the Huashan Sect felt honored, but Yue Buqun and his wife, as well as Linghu Chong, who were still on their way, all understood that someone must be pulling the strings behind the scenes.

As for who it is, everyone has their own guesses and reasons.

As time went on, more and more people flocked to the east of Hengyang City to pay homage to the battlefield relics of the two men.

………………

Time may be chaotic, but it never stops moving forward.

Huashan Sutra Library.

At this point, more than half a year had passed since the battle with Dongfang Bubai.

After a surge of interest in becoming disciples, the Huashan Sect returned to its former tranquility. At this moment, Linghu Chong, Lao Denuo, and Lin Pingzhi were sitting opposite Yue Yuchen.

"These disciples are a complicated group. Some genuinely want to become disciples, while others harbor ulterior motives, and still others are spies from other sects trying to plant within." Linghu Chong shook his head as he spoke of this situation.

"Fortunately, things have finally been sorted out, and everyone, whether human or ghost, has a place to go."

Yue Yuchen listened without offering any opinions, but an old-fashioned book on the table was more likely to attract his attention.

Linghu Chong and Lao Denuo glanced at the ancient book on the table, its pages yellowed and darkened, the corners slightly curled, clearly indicating that it had been frequently read.

"How are your injuries, Senior Brother?" Linghu Chong asked. Upon hearing this, Lao Denuo couldn't help but look up.

Yue Yuchen nodded slightly, his face pale from the long period of seclusion: "Fortunately, my qi and blood have returned to normal, and my essence has not been damaged."

He pointed to the ancient book on the table and said, "I have to thank Dongfang Bubai for sending me this book, which allowed me to comprehend the principles of Yin and Yang, movement and stillness."

Linghu Chong nodded, his expression strange, and said...

"The Wudang Sect has sent people to probe us several times, so they probably already know that the book is in my senior brother's hands. It seems that the Wudang Sect's inside agents within the Demonic Sect are of a high level."

"But they also know they can't snatch the book from my senior brother, so they proposed to cooperate with us on a trade route from Fujian to Hubei. Now I'm a little embarrassed."

"The fact that Junior Brother Lin's escort agency can reach the Hunan and Hubei regions is largely due to the efforts of the Wudang Sect."

Yue Yuchen suddenly laughed: "What? Are you blaming them for giving too much?"

Linghu Chong shrugged and whispered, "Half a month ago, the Two Elements Swordsman brought a letter from Daoist Chongxu, who was willing to persuade the Celestial Master's Mansion to exert influence in the imperial court and acknowledge that our branch inherited the lineage of the Great Emperor of the Western Mountain."

They clearly felt that Wudang was offering too much, to the point that both Linghu Chong and Yue Buqun were tempted.

Yue Yuchen thought about it and was not optimistic about the matter. The Taoist sect also has its own lineage and founders, with countless branches and lineages. It can only be said that there are too many immortals in the Central Plains.

Therefore, there is constant cooperation and confrontation within the Taoist community, and the Celestial Master's Mansion may not be happy to have another force emerge to seize the Zhang family's incense offerings.

However, we should still accept the Wudang Sect's good intentions and not refuse them, otherwise it would only make the Buddhist sect laugh at us.

"Return this book to Wudang."

After turning the last page, Yue Yuchen gently closed the ancient book and pushed it in front of Linghu Chong. The four characters "Tai Chi Classics" on the cover were simple and natural.

"As for pushing for the imperial court to bestow an official title, that's not an easy task, so don't worry about it too much." After a pause, Yue Yuchen still pointed out the matter.

Linghu Chong took the ancient book and said...

"I know, but since Wudang is willing, I thought I might as well give it a try. Maybe it will have some effect!"

"Even if it doesn't work out, it can still deepen our cooperation with Wudang and ease tensions, which is a good thing."

………………

Yue Yuchen calculated the time with his fingers. It was already the thirteenth year of the Zhengde reign, and the time was almost right. He then said...

"Have your master go to the Wudang Sect in person and discuss this with Daoist Chongxu. There's no need to rush this matter; the time will come."

Sometimes, it's better to add flowers to brocade than to offer charcoal in snowy weather. Nothing is absolute; when the time is right, things will naturally fall into place.

Linghu Chong nodded without asking the reason, saying that he would find out in time.

Yue Yuchen turned his gaze to Lao Denuo and Lin Pingzhi: "I called you two here because there is something I want you to do."

Laudenuo and Lin Pingzhi nodded: "Please give your instructions, Senior Brother."

Yue Yuchen didn't say anything, but instead looked at Lin Pingzhi: "Junior Brother Lin, how long have you been at Mount Hua?"

Lin Pingzhi cupped his hands and said, "It has been more than three years."

Yue Yuchen nodded and said, "It's been quite a while. Your Lin family only has one son, so I'm afraid your parents are also waiting for you to have children and continue the family line. Does Junior Brother Lin have a girl he likes?"

Lin Pingzhi scratched his head sheepishly, and Linghu Chong laughed, "Junior Brother Lin and Junior Sister Zhou have been in love for a long time. Everyone in Mount Hua knows this, but they haven't said it outright yet."

Yue Yuchen nodded and said...

"Our Huashan sect does not prohibit marriage. Since that's the case, Junior Brother Lin might as well go down the mountain as soon as possible and explain this matter to your father and the others, so that our two families can formally settle this matter as soon as possible."

"From matchmaking to betrothal and marriage, it takes quite a while. Moreover, Fujian is a long way from Mount Hua. Since Junior Brother Lin is so determined, he should make preparations as soon as possible."

Lin Pingzhi said embarrassedly, "Then I will write home to explain this matter."

Yue Yuchen waved his hand and said, "I hope Junior Brother Lin and Third Junior Brother will go to Fuzhou together, with Third Junior Brother representing Huashan to express our attitude."

Laudenuo and Lin Pingzhi were taken aback. Lin Pingzhi asked in bewilderment, "Isn't this too much trouble for Third Senior Brother?"

Laudenuo had already figured it out: "Does Senior Brother want me to stay in Fuzhou permanently?"

Yue Yuchen nodded, reached out and grabbed a wooden box from the nearby bookshelf, which landed on the table...

“Junior Brother Lin’s marriage is important. Besides that, Third Junior Brother, you have a wealth of experience in the martial world. You can do something for me in Fuzhou.”

"We need the Fuwei Escort Agency to cover this up, so we asked the two of you to come together."

As he spoke, he pushed the wooden box in front of Laudenau. Inside the box was a bound book of official documents and a mixture of letters.

Yue Yuchen pointed to several of the messages and showed them to the three of them...

In the summer of the second year of the Zhengde reign (1513), Prince Zhu Chenhao of Ning bribed Liu Jin in Beijing with a large sum of money. Liu Jin agreed to Prince Zhu's request to reinstate his personal guard.

In September of the fifth year of the Zhengde reign (1511), Liu Jin was executed, and the Prince of Ning's guards were subsequently abolished by the Ministry of War and the Grand Secretariat.

In September of the eighth year of the Zhengde reign (1513), Zhu Chenhao hosted a banquet for Wang Zhe, the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief who was inspecting Jiangxi, because Wang Zhe did not side with him. Wang Zhe then died suddenly of illness.

In the eighth year of the Zhengde reign, Hu Shining, the Vice Commissioner of Jiangxi, submitted a memorial impeaching Zhu Chenhao: "Jiangxi is plagued not only by bandits, but also by increasingly powerful officials like Hu. Unruly individuals are gathering and leading people astray… The administration of rites, music, and law is gradually deviating from the proper functioning of the court." The Prince of Ning accused Hu Shining of spreading heresy and ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to arrest and imprison him.

In April of the ninth year of the Zhengde reign (1511), Prince Ning was granted permission to reinstate his guard and was given the right to maintain the guard's independent revenue.

In the ninth year of the Zhengde reign, Prince Ning arbitrarily executed Commander Dai Yi, expelled Provincial Treasurer Zheng Yue and Censor Fan Lu, and imprisoned Prefects Zheng Yan and Song Yifang of Nanchang.

In the twelfth year of the Zhengde reign, Bao Yanshun, a clerk in the Prince Ning's residence, along with eunuchs Chen Xuan and Liu Liang, went to Beijing to expose Zhu Chenhao's illegal activities. Zhu Chenhao then sent his accomplice, Liu Ji, to bribe favored officials such as Qian Ning.

In addition, there are some letters that list the unjust acts of Prince Ning, Zhu Chenhao, instigating bandits to cause chaos and plunder the people's wealth.

Chapter 46 The Prince of Mouning 2

After explaining it to the three of them, Yue Yuchen tapped the table and asked with a smile, "What do you think Prince Ning wants to do?"

Linghu Chong and the other two exchanged bewildered glances. Lao Denuo swallowed hard and asked uncertainly, "Could it be... that he's plotting a rebellion?"

Linghu Chong looked grave, and Lin Pingzhi's face turned pale.

Yue Yuchen chuckled...

"The officials in the court of Yan are all equally brilliant. Do you think they don't know that Prince Ning has ulterior motives?"

"It's just that the emperor wanted to use the eunuch group and the imperial relatives to weaken the power of the civil officials, so he deliberately pretended to be muddleheaded and incompetent."

"The officials in the court also knew the emperor's thoughts, so they focused on competing with the emperor and were somewhat lenient with Prince Ning, hoping to make the emperor restrain his sharp edge."

"In the end, this matter is nothing more than a struggle between imperial power and the power of the cabinet minister."

"The Emperor knows about this matter, and so do the officials in the court. Therefore, Prince Ning cannot succeed. He just lacks an excuse that the Emperor and the officials can use against him."

Upon hearing this, Linghu Chong and the other two breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn't a change of dynasty, that would be good. Once war broke out, the development of the Huashan Sect would be interrupted.

Yue Yuchen picked up a letter from the table and handed it to Laudenau...

"This is a letter from Mr. Wang Shouren, the Governor of Southern Jiangxi. Keep it for future reference."

"The reason I sent you, Third Junior Brother, to Fuzhou this time is to take advantage of the Fuwei Escort Agency to secretly gather a batch of provisions for future use."

"At the same time, gather information about Prince Ning. You can contact Mr. Wang Shouren, the governor of southern Jiangxi, directly about this matter. I have been corresponding with him for many years."

"It can be said that only Prince Ning is still unaware of anything; those who should know have already made preparations and are just waiting for him to start his rebellion."

"At that time, this batch of grain will be handed over to Mr. Wang. Moreover, taking advantage of Junior Brother Lin's wedding, our Huashan Sect will also go down the mountain to share the credit."

Laudenau nodded, indicating that he understood.

………………

Linghu Chong asked, "The timing of Prince Ning's rebellion is uncertain, and Junior Brother Lin's marriage cannot be delayed indefinitely. I'm afraid the Lin family won't be too happy about it."

Lin Pingzhi quickly said, "It's alright, senior brother. My father can also distinguish between what's important and what's urgent."

Yue Yuchen pointed to the north road...

"This matter is almost done. At most one or two years, and at the latest within half a year. The Censorate has collected enough evidence and is just waiting to make its move."

“Once the emperor sends an envoy to Jiangxi, it will be the time for Prince Ning to rebel.”

“We are now starting the formalities with the Lin family. In addition, Fuzhou is quite far away. When Junior Brother Lin gets married, it will be the day Prince Ning rebels. We can set off directly from Fuzhou and march straight to Nanchang.”

"With this achievement, the imperial court should recognize our Huashan Sect as the legitimate successor of the Great Emperor of the Western Peak."

Then he said to Lin Pingzhi, "Although the Lin family has accumulated considerable wealth over the years, we are still just commoners and inevitably looked down upon by the government. This opportunity can help your father secure a garrison post. The Lin family can then be considered to have entered the officialdom."

Lin Pingzhi nodded vigorously. Having experienced these years of small-scale battles with foreign forces in Gansu and Shaanxi, he was no longer a novice and knew how difficult it was for such a low-level force to completely clean up its act and go straight.

Yue Yuchen could have easily kept quiet and gone his own way, bypassing the Lin family.

Given the Huashan Sect's connections with numerous officials, coupled with its abundant resources and manpower, it was entirely possible to secretly send Lao Denuo to serve Wang Shouren's side.

"Thank you, Senior Brother, for giving the Lin family this opportunity. My family will never let down Mount Hua," Lin Pingzhi swore, pointing to the sky.

Yue Yuchen nodded, then gave Lao Denuo a few more detailed instructions, and finally said...

"Third Brother, you're a seasoned veteran with plenty of experience. I won't say anything more. Just be careful in everything you do and prioritize your own safety."

"Listen to Lord Wang's advice in all matters. He is exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted, a veritable Zhuge Liang in his time."

Knowing that his senior brother had also gone to Jiangxi to consult this Mr. Wang, Lao Denuo did not hesitate and immediately nodded in agreement.

Yue Yuchen then looked at Linghu Chong...

"You, junior brother, should go and discuss this matter with Master and Mistress."

"Moreover, there are many things to do in the actual implementation. I am only responsible for giving advice. The actual coordination will require you, Third Junior Brother, and Junior Brother Lin to work hard."

"Whether the Huashan Sect can be revitalized and stand on equal footing with Wudang and Shaolin depends on this one battle."