Narration System for the Journey of Martial Arts

Page 19

Although Liu Zhengfeng was a landlord, he did not dare to be disrespectful. Upon hearing this, he stepped forward and said, "I am indeed Liu Zhengfeng."

Lord Liu stood in the center, head held high, and took the imperial edict from the side, saying, "I have an imperial edict. Liu Zhengfeng, receive the edict."

Liu Zhengfeng immediately knelt down and bowed to the ground. Seeing that there was no table or desk and that he showed no respect whatsoever, Lord Liu couldn't help but curl his lip, thinking these江湖草莽 (jianghu caomang, meaning rough and uncouth people) were utterly ignorant.

He immediately stopped bothering with further fuss and read out: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: According to the report of the Governor of Hunan Province, Liu Zhengfeng, a commoner from Hengshan County, is public-spirited, has made great contributions to his hometown, is skilled in archery and horsemanship, and is capable of great things. He is hereby appointed as the Assistant Commander of Hengyang Prefecture. He shall serve the court in the future and live up to the Emperor's expectations. This is the imperial decree."

Liu Zhengfeng, who clearly knew the news in advance, kowtowed and said, "Your humble servant Liu Zhengfeng thanks Your Majesty for your grace. Long live the Emperor!"

Lord Liu, already impatient with the group of roughnecks around him, waited until Liu Zhengfeng received the imperial edict and had his armor, military seal, and other items brought out before turning to leave.

Liu Zhengfeng handed all the items to his disciple behind him, and as he reached out, a roll of silver notes fell into his sleeve.

Lord Liu felt a weight in his sleeve, and reached out to touch it. He roughly estimated its thickness and couldn't help but smile broadly: "Brother Liu, you're too kind. We are ministers of the same surname. If we're talking about our relationship, we were one family five hundred years ago."

He immediately gave Liu Zhengfeng a lecture on etiquette, telling him to read more books. He warned that if Liu continued to be so disrespectful, it would be considered disrespectful to the emperor and he would be impeached. At best, he would lose his official position; at worst, he would lose his head.

Liu Zhengfeng bent down to write down his tips, and the two chatted and laughed all the way out of the mansion.

………………

"Yu Chen, this person...?" Yue Buqun asked.

Yue Yuchen simply smiled: "He's nothing but a hypocrite. Just pretend you don't know him. You can leave him alone for the sake of saving face in the future. This kind of person is only good for sharing hardship, not wealth."

Yue Buqun nodded. Over the years, Huashan has sponsored quite a few scholars. Yue Buqun had heard Yue Yuchen and Linghu Chong mention such people before.

Since that's the case, let's pretend we don't know each other from now on.

After the official left, the crowd began to murmur amongst themselves. Yu Canghai mocked him with feigned disdain, "The dignified Third Master Liu of the Hengshan Sect actually went to serve as a nobody in the imperial court. It's utterly absurd."

Some people in the crowd echoed loudly, feeling it was too shameful. Even Master Dingyi and Daoist Tianmen had their complaints.

Yue Lingshan burst out laughing, and even the disciples of the Huashan Sect couldn't help but chuckle.

Yu Canghai's expression changed, and he said to Yue Buqun, "Sect Leader Yue, we respect you as the leader of Mount Hua, but are your disciples so ill-mannered that they dare to mock a senior martial artist in public?"

Upon hearing this, even the nun Dingyi and the Taoist Tianmen looked displeased.

Yue Buqun ignored him, while Linghu Chong turned to Yu Canghai and said, "If Sect Leader Yu isn't smart enough, he might as well go home and nurse his children!"

Yu Canghai slammed his fist on the table in anger: "Sect Leader Yue, if you can't manage this, I don't mind disciplining your disciples on your behalf."

Yue Buqun scoffed, "Yu Canghai, if I were you, I'd hurry home, pack my things, and hide somewhere at the foot of a mountain. Maybe that would save your life."

“You…” Yu Canghai’s face flushed red. He glanced at Yue Yuchen behind him and pointed at Yue Buqun, daring not to speak his anger.

Linghu Chong then smiled and looked around, saying, "Do you know what it means to be officially appointed as a military commander?"

Seeing that everyone was confused, he said to Yu Canghai, "In the current dynasty's official system, the Five Military Commands are in charge of the army, but the positions of Left and Right Commanders, Deputy Commanders, Vice Commanders, and Clerks are all honorary titles without real power."

"From top to bottom, only by adding the titles of General, Deputy General, Assistant General, Guerrilla General, Camp Commander, Garrison Commander, Battalion Commander, and Supervisor can one have real power to lead troops."

"Uncle Liu is a military officer who has been officially appointed as the Assistant Commander of Hengyang Prefecture. This is a third-rank military position, which, according to regulations, means he is a general who can command 6,000 soldiers in Hengyang Prefecture."

"Sect Leader Yu, does your Qingcheng Sect have an imperial decree that recognizes and authorizes you?"

"No, then you're just a bandit who rules the mountains. Uncle Liu can lead his troops to wipe you out at any time. That's not doing a service to the people."

"If you dare to resist, that would be treason. I wonder if Sect Leader Yu dares to rebel?"

Yu Canghai's face flushed red, then turned pale, then green: "You...you're talking nonsense, how could I possibly rebel?"

Linghu Chong said helplessly, "Then who dared to speak so arrogantly just now, saying that I was just a nobody official, and now they don't dare to admit it?"

"You..." Yu Canghai pointed at Linghu Chong, watching the Huashan Sect members who dared not speak out in anger, and in the end could only slink away with their tails between their legs.

Chapter 38 Laudenuo's Return, Master Liu's Retirement 4

Yu Canghai, who was walking to the door, bumped into Liu Zhengfeng, who was just entering. Liu Zhengfeng, who was in high spirits, asked curiously, "Sect Leader Yu, why are you leaving in such a hurry?"

Behind him, Yue Lingshan could no longer hold back and burst into laughter.

Yu Canghai had no face to stay any longer. He feared that after today, the Qingcheng Sect would become a laughing stock. He left in anger.

Liu Zhengfeng looked around, and the martial arts practitioners who had previously looked down on him felt a pressure coming at them, and they all lowered their heads, not daring to look him in the eye.

Even Abbess Dingyi and Daoist Tianmen were too embarrassed to say anything. Their earlier disdain had only fueled their current awkwardness!

Only then did they realize how distinguished the military commander was, and that in the future, Hengyang Prefecture would become a one-man show by the Hengshan Sect!

Everyone restrained their emotions towards Liu Zhengfeng, fearing that this newly appointed military commander might accuse them of treason, which would leave them with no way out.

...............

Only the members of the Huashan Sect found Liu Zhengfeng's bewildered expression amusing. Clearly, this Commander Liu didn't know what his official position entailed.

This is the difference between the rough and tumble of the martial arts world and the prestigious sects.

These江湖草莽 (jianghu caoman, meaning outlaws and江湖草莽) believed whatever they heard, clearly not considering that the imperial army was not Liu Sanye's private army, and therefore could not be mobilized across the border at will.

The Wudang and Shaolin families are large and powerful, and although they are not afraid of a mere military officer, they will still treat him with basic courtesy.

After all, all officials are one family. Who knows what kind of relationship the military commander of Hengyang Prefecture and the officials of the Hunan Provincial Governor's Office might have?

They'll stab you in the back at the crucial moment; even if they don't kill you, they'll disgust you to death, and you won't be able to do anything about it!

At this moment, Liu Zhengfeng was all smiles, and his steps became lighter. He stood in the center of the hall and gave a perfunctory bow to the people around him...

"Fellow heroes and fellow martial artists, I, Liu, have been granted a minor official position by the imperial court and the Emperor's grace. As the saying goes, 'I eat the Emperor's food and do the Emperor's work.'"

"From now on, I, Liu, will be carrying out imperial orders, and it will be difficult for me to continue my life in the martial world. Today, I have specially invited you all to witness my retirement from this life of crime."

"From now on, I will focus on the affairs of the emperor. The grudges of the martial world will have nothing to do with me anymore. My disciples are free to come and go as they please. If any of them switch to another sect, it has nothing to do with betraying their master and ancestors."

"I would be most grateful if you, my fellow countrymen and heroes, could bear witness to this."

After saying this, Master Liu bowed to the surroundings and thanked them with his hands clasped.

………………

In the past, some people might have accepted this bow casually, but now that they know how glorious this Master Liu will be in the future, no one dares to accept his bow casually!

Who knows, maybe one day Master Liu will sentence you to a crime of contempt for the imperial court just because you stepped into Hunan Province with your left foot first.

Therefore, at this moment, these heroes from the Jianghu, especially those from the Huashan Sect who knew proper etiquette, turned halfway to return the greeting, indicating that they dared not accept such a full greeting, and that they would reciprocate in the future.

Those who didn't know proper etiquette were making a ruckus, crowding together in a chaotic mess. Some were clasping their hands in greeting, some were bowing, and some were even worshipping gods. The scene was rather unpleasant for a while.

As for Master Liu's disciples, if they had any ulterior motives at the beginning, they would now wish they could slap themselves twice!

They were unwilling to let go of this golden opportunity, and each of them clung to their master, leaving even Master Liu himself confused.

Behind the crowd, Qu Yang, the elder of the Demonic Sect who had been hiding his identity, was also completely bewildered, utterly unaware that he had secured such a great future for 'Brother Liu'!

Qu Yang, who had originally planned to roam the martial world freely with Brother Liu in the future, is now at a loss!

How could it be that in the blink of an eye, he and "Brother Liu" went from being close friends in the martial arts world to being government soldiers and thieves?

………………

Before the other apprentices could react, Liu Sanye's eldest apprentice, Mi Weiyi, had already stood up and taken a small stool covered with brocade from the steward of the Liu family. He placed it in the center of the hall in front of Liu Sanye.

The old steward glared at her and had no choice but to snatch a gleaming brass basin from the young maid behind him, whose eyes were sparkling with affection. He then placed the basin, which was already filled with water, on the high platform.

The others, having been outmaneuvered by these two shameless individuals, and seeing that Master Liu's expression was clearly unpleasant, could only retreat hesitantly, leaving the stage to Master Liu.

Liu Zhengfeng, the "Third Master Liu," stroked his beard and patted his eldest disciple's shoulder with satisfaction. "As expected, my eldest disciple is the most considerate!"

Upon seeing this, Yue Buqun, who was sitting in the first seat, shook his head slightly. Yue Yuchen and Linghu Chong exchanged a glance and both showed a disdainful smile. Then their expressions turned serious, as if nothing had happened.

In any case, the Huashan Sect was determined to keep its distance from this Uncle Liu for the time being, for fear that this newly appointed Lieutenant General Liu would become arrogant in the future!

After all, in officialdom, the more arrogant a person is, the faster they die; it's even harder than being a江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and outlaws)!

………………

At this moment, the heroes and outlaws of the martial world, each with their own thoughts, became unusually quiet and gathered around Master Liu.

Then Liu Zhengfeng walked to the copper basin, cupped his hands in the direction of the Hengshan Sect, and said...

"Fellow practitioners, I hereby declare that Liu Zhengfeng, a disciple of the Hengshan Sect, has retired from the martial world today."

"Senior Brother Mo Da, now the head of Hengshan Sect, possesses superb martial arts skills and excellent character. We hope that our ancestors in heaven will bless our senior brother with good fortune and bring glory to our sect."

After Liu Zhengfeng finished his prayers to the patriarch and bowed three times, he immediately rolled up his sleeves, ready to dip his hands into the water. Suddenly, a loud shout came from outside the door: "Wait!"

………………

Liu Zhengfeng was startled, and the heroes also had strange expressions!

Liu Zhengfeng was startled, thinking that the Songshan Sect, which he, his senior brothers Mo and Yue had planned, would come to stop him from retiring from the martial arts world.

The crowd of heroes looked on with strange expressions, shocked that this was some kind of hero who dared to come to the residence of a mere military commander to cause trouble. It was truly as if the old man had drunk poison and was tired of living!

Everyone looked up and saw several imposing and strong men walking in through the gate. One of them, tall and thin, had his right hand on his waist and was holding a command flag in his left hand.

His eyes sparkled with excitement, and his glare silenced the child's crying. With a fierce and menacing look, he was none other than Lu Bai, the Grand Protector of the Songshan Sect.

As soon as Lu Bai entered the gate, he saw Liu Zhengfeng's panicked expression and the assembled heroes who dared not utter a word. He felt extremely comfortable and proud. Finally, the Songshan Sect had regained its dignity!

After glancing around at the three martial arts figures, he noticed that only Master Dingyi and Daoist Tianmen looked a little better, but he merely nodded in acknowledgment.

Then he saw a group of disdainful and mocking figures. Upon seeing them, Lu Bai's anger flared up. It was those bastards from the Huashan Sect again!

Yue Buqun didn't even bother to look at himself, Linghu Chong's eyes were full of disdain, and who was that guy next to him, whose face practically screamed disgust?

Lu Bai's right hand clenched so tightly it made a 'crackling' sound, but he still suppressed his anger. After all, if Linghu Chong rushed up and unleashed his full power, it didn't matter if he lost face, but he couldn't let the leader of the Left Alliance lose face in public.

Lu Bai waved his left-hand command flag: "By order of the Left Alliance Leader of the Songshan Sect, Liu Zhengfeng's retirement ceremony is temporarily postponed pending verification!"

Chapter 39 Laudenuo's Return, Master Liu's Retirement 5

Liu Zhengfeng's face was grim: "It seems that Alliance Leader Zuo has no say in whether I, Liu, am retiring from this life of crime?"

Lu Bai waved his command flag and said disdainfully...

"Liu Zhengfeng, as a member of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, you are subject to the jurisdiction of the Five Mountains Alliance Leader."

“If you maintain your integrity, the Left Alliance Leader will naturally not interfere in your private affairs. But if you collude with the Demonic Sect and do not maintain your integrity, you will have to accept the Alliance Leader’s command.”

"Liu Zhengfeng, your collusion with Qu Yang of the Demonic Sect has been exposed!"

Lu Bai looked triumphantly at the panicked Liu Zhengfeng, the strangely complex expressions of Master Dingyi, Daoist Tianmen, and Yue Buqun.

He felt he could finally vent his anger on that brat from the Huashan Sect.

But before he could continue to be smug, Yue Buqun had already stood up and pulled Liu Zhengfeng, who was about to speak, aside. The way he looked at Liu Zhengfeng was as if he were looking at a fool.

………………

Before Lu Bai could speak, Yue Buqun pointed to the bright yellow tray beside him: "Junior Brother Lu, do you know what this is?"

Lu Bai scoffed, "Oh? I wonder what this thing is?"

Yue Buqun cupped his hands towards the north and said, "So that Junior Brother Lu may know that this is an imperial edict!"

Before Lu Bai could react, Yue Buqun grabbed Liu Zhengfeng's hand and said...

"The Emperor's grace is boundless. Junior Brother Liu has been favored by the Emperor and appreciated by the Grand Secretaries. He has been appointed as the Assistant Commander of Hengyang Prefecture, and is in fact in charge of 6,000 soldiers of Hengyang Prefecture."

“Junior Brother Lu, General Liu commands the soldiers and martial arts heroes of the region to conscript the Demonic Sect in Quyang to serve the court and the emperor. How dare your Songshan Sect oppose the court?”

"Junior Brother Lu, how dare the Left Alliance Leader command the six thousand soldiers of a local prefecture, behaving like an emperor and plotting a rebellion?"

The moment the words "treason" were uttered, the entire hall fell into a deathly silence. The martial arts heroes glanced around and all lowered their heads, not daring to say a word.

These two words carry far too much weight; if one cannot bear them, it could lead to the calamity of having one's property confiscated and one's entire family wiped out!

Lu Bai's expression grew increasingly grim as he listened, and by the time he heard the accusation of comparing himself to the emperor and plotting a rebellion, his face had turned deathly pale...

"you……"

"Yue Buqun, don't talk nonsense. Senior Brother Zuo is the most upright and selfless person, dedicated to the country and the people. How could he possibly rebel? Don't make baseless accusations!"

Lu Bai looked flustered as he glanced at the martial arts figures around him. If word got out, no matter how powerful the Songshan Sect was, it couldn't withstand the accusation of rebellion!

Yue Buqun waved his hand and said, "Wasn't it Junior Brother Lu who just now trying to command a troop of underworld soldiers? And even to judge a military officer with a real position! Wasn't he trying to seize military power?"

Lu Bai looked at the crowd around him, his face ashen, sweat pouring down his face: "No, I didn't, don't talk nonsense, Yue Buqun, you're trying to frame me, to frame Senior Brother Zuo!"

Suddenly, as if grasping at a straw, Lu Bai looked at Abbess Dingyi and Daoist Tianmen: "Senior Brother Tianmen, Senior Sister Dingyi, you must testify that the Left Alliance Leader has absolutely no disloyalty to the court or the Emperor. Yue Buqun is slandering us; this is a frame-up!"

Master Dingyi's expression was complicated, and she hesitated. In fact, this had suddenly become a matter of treason and military power, and the Hengshan Sect did not have the courage to vouch for it!