svetikya Chapter 140 "My Wife Helps Me Achieve My Lofty Ambitions"
Chapter 140 "My Wife Helps Me Achieve My Lofty Ambitions"
Chapter 140 "My Wife Helps Me Achieve My Lofty Ambitions"
"Brother, what do you think?"
Duan Zhengming looked up at Duan Zhengchun and asked, "You and Xu Qingya were whispering all the way. What did he say to you?"
Duan Zhengchun blushed, unwilling to speak, but Gao Shengtai's tone was serious and Duan Zhengming's gaze was intense, so he could only obediently repeat Xu Qingya's words.
The Han envoy said that the traitorous man claiming to be the Mandate of Heaven is not to be feared and will not cause any major trouble, for the following reason:
Duan Zhengchun stammered, and he couldn't say anything more after that—it was too damn embarrassing!
"What's the reason? Tell me quickly!"
Duan Zhengming grabbed Duan Zhengchun. This matter concerns the fate of Dali. What could he not say?
When you're out there chasing girls all over the world, how do you say those incredibly cheesy love words?
"First of all, I promise I am telling the truth!"
Secondly, you are not allowed to laugh at me!
Finally, don't let this get out!
Duan Zhengchun gestured for the court attendant to leave, instructing that these words should not be recorded and not a single word should be leaked.
Duan Zhengming and Gao Shengtai, their faces serious, awaited Duan Zhengchun's grand pronouncements. Duan Zhengchun gritted his teeth, mustered his courage, and said, "The Han envoy said that I am the nemesis of the Heavenly Mandate Sect traitors; they have all been subdued by me!"
"Splash!"
Gao Shengtai sat down and broke the chair, falling flat on his back. Duan Zhengming almost bit off his tongue, and he nearly suffocated himself by holding his breath in his chest.
Are you speaking human language?
How come I didn't know about this?
The nemesis of the Heavenly Mandate Sect?
That's not how you brag!
Duan Zhengchun performed a bloodletting procedure on Duan Zhengming with one hand and helped Gao Shengtai rise to power with the other. Gao Shengtai held a higher position in Dali than Duan Zhengming and could be considered the "true emperor".
Historically, Gao Shengtai launched a palace coup, seized the throne from Duan Zhengming, and reigned as emperor for several years. However, he found that being an emperor was too stifling and far less comfortable than being a powerful minister. So, he simply left a will, returning the throne to the Duan family of Dali.
Who was the next emperor?
The answer was: Duan Zhengchun!
Duan continued to be emperor, and Gao continued to be a powerful minister who controlled the court. They tacitly agreed to this, and it was as if no palace coup had ever occurred, presenting a harmonious scene.
In other places, the struggle for the throne is either filled with intrigue and backstabbing, or bloodshed and fratricide. But in Dali, being an emperor is a miserable job, and it's more comfortable to be a monk.
To put it bluntly, if Duan Yanqing hadn't been so infamous and disabled, Duan Zhengming might have actually been willing to let him be emperor for a few days and have some fun.
Within three days at most, Duan Yanqing will definitely flee.
Upon hearing the phrase "a conspiracy to overthrow Dali," Gao Shengtai mistakenly believed that the Heavenly Mandate Sect was targeting him. If it was only targeting the Duan family, what would be the point? Even if Duan Zhengming was gone, there was still Duan Zhengchun; even if Duan Zhengchun was gone, there was still Duan Yu. If Duan Yu was also being schemed against, he would find a few old monks from Tianlong Temple to return to secular life and see if the Heavenly Mandate Sect's miraculous honey trap could seduce an octogenarian monk!
Gao Shengtai frowned and said in a deep voice, "The Heavenly Mandate Sect is skilled in using beauty traps. The Prince of Zhennan is rather—a lover of beauty, so he might use that as a starting point. Xu Qingya's meaning is probably that the Prince of Zhennan has been with countless beauties and doesn't care about the Heavenly Mandate enchantress!"
Duan Zhengming looked at Duan Zhengchun with resentment!
What use is your brother to me?
Picking up girls! Picking up girls! All the fuck does is pick up girls!
Why don't you have a few more sons?
If you don't have a son, having a few princesses will do!
By simply placing the princess on Xu Qingya's bed, they could directly win over the Han envoy. With the Han envoy's help, why go through all this trouble? When they don't need you, you deliberately cause trouble; when they do need you, your most proficient abilities are completely useless!
You're not even as useful as Duan Yu!
Duan Yu even knew to become sworn brothers with Xu Qingya!
Duan Zhengchun blushed deeply under their gazes, thinking to himself, "This isn't my fault! You forced me into a marriage alliance, making me marry Dao Baifeng, and I accepted it. But what happened? Dao Baifeng's tribe practices monogamy. What could I do?"
The two stared at each other, locked in a stalemate.
Gao Shengtai felt extremely tired.
Suddenly I realize that being a powerful minister isn't comfortable at all!
Gao Shengtai said, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, no matter how much we analyze, it's meaningless. We need to sound out Xu Qingya. If he's here to investigate a case, we'll cooperate. If he's here to travel, let Yu'er accompany him. Dali is full of beautiful scenery."
Duan Zhengchun laughed and said, "After all these years, Yu'er has finally grown up and done something reliable. He and Xu Qingya are bosom friends. Xu Qingya may have his own schemes, but he certainly wouldn't harm Yu'er. As for the Heavenly Mandate Sect and the Four Evils, leave them to Tianlong Temple to deal with!"
Duan Zhengming nodded: "Royal brother—I'll go myself! You're not suited to go to Tianlong Temple!"
Tianlong Temple is not a temple, but a family temple, or even the ancestral temple of the Duan family. Princes who lost in the struggle and emperors who were old and frail would go to Tianlong Temple to become monks. There were at least sixty or seventy members of the Duan family in the temple.
It is said that about ten years ago, Duan Zhengchun was plagued by a string of romantic entanglements. Countless beauties came to his door, and Duan Zhengchun had no choice but to go to Tianlong Temple to become a monk to avoid the trouble. However, as soon as he arrived at the entrance of Tianlong Temple, he was beaten and driven away with sticks.
The three "Imperial Uncles" beat Duan Zhengchun from the entrance of Tianlong Temple to the foot of the mountain with large wooden sticks until they were sure that Duan Zhengchun had given up the idea of becoming a monk. Only then did they return in a huff. Tianlong Temple was closed for half a year, and even the emperor was forbidden to enter.
However, every cloud has a silver lining. After this intense commotion, Duan Zhengchun's lovers, fearing that he would become a monk, each took a step back.
From then on, except for royal sacrifices, Duan Zhengchun forbade anyone to approach the area within a ten-mile radius of Tianlong Temple. Gao Shengtai, partly to avoid suspicion and partly out of fear of being imprisoned, never went to Tianlong Temple and could only send Duan Zhengming there in person.
Duan Zhengming felt so tired and wanted to become a monk. Compared to being an emperor, being a monk was much more comfortable.
Gao Shengtai went home and took a nap.
Duan Zhengchun returned to the Prince's Mansion to entertain Xu Qingya.
Xu Qingya's skill in "eating and talking" surpassed his martial arts prowess. This was a talent of the people of Liaodong. With a plate of pickled vegetables and two jugs of wine, the three men could chat all night long!
In just a few words, Dao Baifeng lowered her guard, and even Mu Wanqing was all smiles. Zhong Ling looked at Xu Qingya with admiration. She had never seen such a person at home. It was much more fun to come out!
"Bai Feng, try this!"
Xu Qingya picked up a piece of mushroom for Hua Baifeng.
Dao Baifeng was startled upon hearing this, and cursed Xu Qingya inwardly for being so rude. You and Duan Yu are friends, how can you call me by my name so casually? What does this mean?
Looking up, she saw that Xu Qingya wasn't looking at her at all, but was instead serving food to his confidante.
Once upon a time, Brother Chun was like this too—
Dao Baifeng's mind wandered, then he shook his head to clear his thoughts and asked, "Nephew, is your confidante named Baifeng? What is her surname?"
Xu Qingya said, "His surname is Hua! Hua Baifeng! A collateral branch of the Hua family of Jiangnan, his family sells medicinal herbs!"
Dao Baifeng said softly, "This is fate, my name is also Baifeng. However, we Baiyi people are not as refined as the people of the Central Plains. My surname is Dao, which is full of sharpness, unlike Madam Hua's gentleness!"
Upon hearing this, Mu Wanqing, who had been engrossed in her food, suddenly looked up: "Dao Baifeng? You really are Dao Baifeng? Dao Baifeng, a member of the Baiyi tribe?"
Dao Baifeng asked, "Does the young lady have any doubts?"
Dao Baifeng was serving food to Duan Yu when she happened to reveal her wrist, which had a birthmark on it.
"The teacher's kindness is profound, and their command is difficult to disobey!"
Before she could finish speaking, Mu Wanqing raised her wrist and fired three crossbow bolts. The change was too fast, and Dao Baifeng could not dodge in time. Xu Qingya flicked his finger and threw out bamboo chopsticks, knocking away Mu Wanqing's crossbow bolts. Yin Susu waved her hand and grabbed, her eagle claws grabbing at Mu Wanqing's wrist. Hua Baifeng launched an attack from the other side, flicking her finger into a knife and stabbing at the pulse point.
Yin Susu was far superior to Mu Wanqing, and Hua Baifeng was far beyond Mu Wanqing's level. There was a huge gap between them. With two against one, Mu Wanqing was unable to dodge and both of her hands were grabbed at the same time.
Cheng Lingsu hugged Zhong Ling tightly.
This is both to protect Zhong Ling's safety and to prevent her from interfering and making the situation even more chaotic.
Just then, Duan Zhengchun returned home, intending to have a hot dinner. Unexpectedly, his wife was assassinated, by the beauty his son brought back, and in front of the Han envoy. Dali's reputation and the prestige of the Prince of Zhennan were completely ruined.
Zhong Ling asked, "Sister Mu, she is Brother Duan's mother, why did you want to assassinate her?"
Mu Wanqing snorted coldly: "I just said that this is Master's order. Master's orders are hard to disobey. Even if the Heavenly King himself is here, this old lady will only fire three crossbow bolts!"
"I'm outmatched, I have nothing to say. Do with me as you please!"
Dao Baifeng asked, "Miss, you just said that you couldn't disobey your master's orders. I would like to ask you, who is your master, and why did he want to assassinate Dao Baifeng?"
Mu Wanqing, quite straightforwardly, said, "My master calls herself Yougu Ke. She said there were two wicked women who ruined her life's happiness, and she wants me to kill them!"
Dao Baifeng sneered: "One of them is Dao Baifeng, a Baiyi woman. And who is the other one? Is her name Gan Baobao?"
Why didn't she come herself?
Mu Wanqing shook her head: "Gan Baobao, the 'Pretty Yaksha,' is my martial aunt. She sent someone to deliver a message to my master, saying that she had found traces of another woman—"
Dao Baifeng's expression grew increasingly cold: "The other woman's surname is Li, and she married into the Wang family in Suzhou, right? Qin Hongmian and Gan Baobao, what good sisters they are!"
Dao Baifeng stared coldly at Duan Zhengchun.
Duan Zhengchun looked distressed and wanted to bang his head against the wall.
Xu Qingya watched the play with great interest.
The Lüshi Chunqiu records that the most spectacular scene in the world is when two women fight, but an even more spectacular scene is when a group of women fight.
Xu Qingya reached into Zhong Ling's pouch and pulled out a bag of melon seeds. He distributed a handful to everyone around him, and they all ate the melon seeds together.
Chung Ling's melon seeds are roasted by Gan Baobao. They are not the common osmanthus, rose, or five-spice flavors, but have a slightly bitter taste. They are spicy and astringent at first, but after a while, you can feel the sweetness. They also produce saliva under the tongue. Long-term consumption can clear the mind and improve eyesight. They are roasted with snake gall.
Xu Qingya really liked the taste, so he asked Cheng Lingsu to analyze the recipe and then stir-fry dozens of kilograms of it after returning to Beijing.
Yin Susu asked curiously, "Ling'er, I remember your mother's name is Gan Baobao, isn't it—"
These words were like adding fuel to the fire. Dao Baifeng almost fainted. She barely managed to stand up, exhaled, and said coldly, "I hope you will discipline Yu'er properly. There is no need for us to meet again in this life."
With that, Dao Baifeng turned to leave.
Even with Duan Zhengchun's "love saint" level, he was at a loss for what to do, standing there dumbfounded and helpless. Cheng Lingsu, being the most perceptive, quickly analyzed what had happened and looked at Xu Qingya with a half-smile, as if to say: There should be limits to being a womanizer, otherwise you will inevitably run into trouble!
Xu Qingya pondered to himself that Qin Hongmian was still quite "generous" in some ways. Although she had Mu Wanqing assassinate Dao Baifeng and Li Qingluo, she was indeed very generous in some aspects. Theoretically speaking, the most ruthless and vicious knife that backstabbed her came from her junior sister Gan Baobao!
Based on Mu Wanqing and Zhong Ling's ages, it can be inferred that Duan Zhengchun first had feelings for Qin Hongmian, and then, during Qin Hongmian's pregnancy, he took advantage of his proximity and hooked up with his sister-in-law, Gan Baobao.
How could Gan Baobao resist Duan Zhengchun's charm?
Among them was Ruan Xingzhu. Judging from A Zhu's age, Duan Zhengchun's speed was even better than Lao Jiu's, as if he had opened a teleportation array.
Ruan Xingzhu was an outsider after all, so there was no need to say more. Gan Baobao, as her junior sister, in some ways, delivered the most ruthless blow. Afterwards, she took the initiative to inform Qin Hongmian about Li Qingluo's situation, which was also a way of using someone else to do her dirty work. She wanted to use Qin Hongmian and her daughter to eliminate her rival.
Of course, from another perspective, it is not unusual for sisters to serve each other. Not to mention sisters from the same school, there are also cases of biological sisters, and many of them are beautiful stories.
If Qin Hongmian already had this idea, then it wouldn't be considered a betrayal. However, the fact that the two fellow disciples had been wary of each other for over ten years clearly indicated that their relationship wasn't very harmonious.
As for Qin Hongmian's nickname "Yougu Ke" and Mu Wanqing's name, there are also interesting details. Why is Mu Wanqing's surname Mu? Where does the character "Mu" come from?
When Duan Zhengchun was flirting with Qin Hongmian, he recited many poems and songs to her. One of them, "The Beauty," left a deep impression on Qin Hongmian.
A peerless beauty dwells in a secluded valley.
He claimed to be from a good family, but now he's fallen on hard times and lives among the grass and trees.
The husband is a frivolous man, while the new bride is as beautiful as jade.
But all that's seen is the laughter of the new bride; the cries of the old are unheard.
The newlyweds are as beautiful as jade—and all I see is their smile—
Qin Hongmian called herself "Guest of the Valley" and named her daughter "Mu Wanqing," clearly complaining that Duan Zhengchun was fickle and unfaithful.
Duan Zhengchun felt as if his heart was being torn apart at this thought.
To reiterate, Duan Zhengchun cannot be simply summarized as a "scumbag." He possesses both the traits of a scumbag and a devoted lover, making him an "impulsive type of devoted lover."
As long as a beautiful woman is by his side, he can immediately recall every detail from more than ten years ago and pour all his emotions into her. He disregards all official positions, titles, and even his own life.
If the beauty is not by your side, no matter how many vows of love you made, you can forget them all.
Every love affair is like a jar of fine wine, stored deep within Duan Zhengchun's heart. If left untouched, it is just a jar of clear water, colorless and tasteless. But if touched even slightly, the aroma of the wine will overflow, like a tsunami, overwhelming reason.
Duan Zhengchun's rationality was overwhelmed.
He would think of his love affair with Qin Hongmian for a while.
One moment I'm thinking about the thrill of being with Gan Baobao.
Xu Qingya and the others were left aside.
Duan Yu was utterly embarrassed and dumbfounded; Duan Zhengchun's image of wisdom and might had been shattered into dumpling filling.
The air was very quiet.
The only sound was the crunching of sunflower seeds!
Mu Wanqing was the first to regain her senses. She struggled to break free from Yin Susu and Hua Baifeng, and shouted angrily, "My martial arts are far inferior to yours, and I have neither your power nor influence. Just do whatever you want to me! Why bother with all this nonsense! Give me a quick death!"
Duan Zhengchun said awkwardly, "Nephew Xu, I have some things to take care of. Yu'er, you accompany Nephew Xu to admire the moon. I have some—private matters!"
Xu Qingya smiled and said, "I have long heard of the four scenic wonders of Dali: wind, flowers, snow, and moon. Although we cannot see the moon over Erhai Lake, it is still a wonderful thing to see the bright moon in the courtyard."
Everyone left in a flurry.
Even Zhong Ling was taken away by Xu Qingya.
Only Duan Zhengchun and Mu Wanqing remained in the room.
Mu Wanqing instinctively gripped her veil tightly.
Because of Xu Qingya's unexpected appearance, Mu Wanqing has not taken off her veil yet. Even when eating, she only lifts a corner of it so that no one can see her face.
He wouldn't want to see my face, would he?
Duan Zhengchun forced a smile: "You're eighteen this year, your birthday is in September."
Mu Wanqing asked, "Who are you? How do you know about me? Do you know my master?"
Duan Zhengchun sighed deeply: "Your surname is Mu, the Mu of fallen leaves and withered grass. I'm sorry to your master. Your master isn't just your master; she's your mother!"
"Impossible! I don't believe it! I don't believe it!"
"You should believe it!"
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because I'm your biological father."
"what?"
Mu Wanqing was so shocked that she retreated repeatedly.
The back garden of the Prince of Zhennan's Mansion.
Duan Yu asked, "Brother Xu, what's going on at home? I'm a little confused!"
Xu Qingya said, "The matter is very simple. Mu's mother, Qin Hongmian, and Zhong Ling's mother, Gan Baobao, both had feelings for Uncle Duan. Uncle Duan traveled all over the country when he was young, leaving behind countless romantic relationships!"
Duan Yu's face was filled with regret. In fact, throughout his nineteen years of life, Duan Yu had always believed that his parents were devoted to one person for life, and that Duan Zhengchun was a devoted and unwavering lover. He never imagined that he would turn out to be...
Zhong Ling asked curiously, "Brother Xu, according to you, Sister Mu is Uncle Duan's daughter? What about my mother? Am I—"
Cheng Lingsu chuckled: "Whether it is true or not, it's all stuff that happened back then, why should we care? We just want to warn certain people to remember the lessons of the past."
Yin Susu said, "What lessons from the past? What's there to remember? If we really fight, we each have our strengths and weaknesses, but no matter how we rank us, none of us can beat Liu Qingci. The result of our infighting is just leaving the benefits to Liu Qingci. I'm not going to do anything foolish!"
-
Cheng Lingsu was speechless upon hearing this.
Liu Qingci's archery skills are too overpowered.
Cheng Lingsu was confident in dealing with everyone except Liu Qingci. If you used strategy against her, Liu Qingci was single-minded and would never let go once she made up her mind. If you used traps against her, Liu Qingci would nock an arrow and easily destroy all traps. She was at the maximum level in both ranged and melee combat.
Qin Nanqin quickly changed the subject: "Why talk about these things? We're here to enjoy the scenery, not to manage household affairs!"
"Our family affairs are naturally decided by the master, and we all listen to him!"
Xu Qingya said, "Ladies, I am a lover of flowers. Have you ever seen a lover of flowers who only grows one flower in his home? If there is only one flower in the home, then he is definitely not a lover of flowers. I am confident that I am both literate and martial, but if I want to achieve my lofty ambitions, I need my wives' help."
My lady will help me achieve my lofty ambitions!
You are all the wings that allow me to soar high!
Everyone is indispensable!
Those who love flowers will naturally protect them. I will keep you by my side and cherish you with all my heart.
If I were to be even slightly insincere, wouldn't you ladies be able to see through it with your intelligence?
Xu Qingya gazed at the women with deep affection.
Duan Yu: This is a true romantic!
Zhong Ling: Click~ Click~ Click~~
What is Brother Xu talking about?
Why can't I understand a single word?
Eating sunflower seeds is more fun!
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