Sovereign Of The Three Realms Chapter 36-40

 

Sovereign Of The Three Realms
(SOTR)

Chapter 36: Complaining to His Majesty

The Drum of the Shocking Dragon was hammered ten times in a row and the Bell of the Waking Dragon rang out nine times in front of the Aurum Imperial Hall.

Jiang Chen walked in and headed towards the hall with large strides after the round of drum and bell sounds. Parting the road with the engraved dragon medallion, the ceremonial guards let him pass without challenge.

Under the shocked and astonished gazes of an entire gathering of civil and military officials, Jiang Chen took large steps to the front of the throne, and started wailing his innocence after paying his worship to the king. “Your Majesty, your subject persevered for ten years and industriously studied the civil and military subjects. Heaven and earth can bear witness to my heart of pure loyalty. Alas, your subject has run afoul of scoundrels in his life, and thus they have caused me to suffer a grave injustice. Your subject has nowhere else to request a redress and can only come to Your Majesty to present my case. Your Majesty is benevolent and moral, and can surely make a decision on your subject’s behalf.”

“Minister Jiang, what matter has caused you such desolation? Tell us of any wrongs you have suffered.” Despite Eastern Lu knowing that Jiang Chen was under suspicion for putting on an act, Jiang Chen had been imperceptibly crowded into the same boat as Eastern Lu given the current situation in the capital. Eastern Lu had no choice but to play along for a bit.

“The facts of the matter are, your subject…” Jiang Chen immediately went over the entire issue from beginning to end, and naturally didn’t fail to exaggerate things a bit in several crucial areas. All in all, the spearhead was directed at Du Ruhai.

He was irreproachable on this matter and reason was on his side. Therefore, he felt absolutely no pressure in making a ruckus.

Eastern Lu mused deeply for a while after listening, “If it is indeed as you say Minister Jiang, then you have truly suffered a grave injustice. We know of this matter now, but as with all things, it would be unwise to listen to only one side. We would also like to listen to what the testing site has to say.”

“Your subject is willing to confront that Du Ruhai face to face!”

Jiang Chen’s personality was that one always had to win some points, even if one was being unreasonable - not mentioning that he was entirely within reason this time.

Besides, Du Ruhai had truly enraged him this time. Jiang Chen had already determined that he would fight to the last breath with Du Ruhai.

At this moment, Du Ruhai also came wailing in. He was wiping away snot with one hand and tears with the other. Add to that the eye catching five fingered print on his face, and that he’d also conveniently ripped out his hair bun on the way over to make himself appear bedraggled and disheveled...

It gave others an exceedingly desolate feeling when he walked in like this.

“This Du Ruhai is a sly old fox alright, his acting skills are more than a step higher than the kid Jiang Chen.” A few ministers and officials thought privately.

One had to admit, Du Ruhai’s acting was more consummate and exquisite than Jiang Chen’s. Aggrieved eyes, desolate movement, and a body full of disordered hair and clothing. His entire body was an act.

“Your Majesty, your old subject has suffered injustices.” Du Ruhai’s head hit the floor, his butt stuck up perkily in the air as tears flowed down like an opened faucet.

“Minister Du, stand up and speak.” Eastern Lu could not treat one person well and treat another poorly in front of his assembled subjects.

Jiang Chen didn’t behave atrociously in the Aurum Imperial Hall. He stood to the side coldly, watching Du Ruhai put forth hard effort into his performance. Jiang Chen’s heart was filled with cold contempt and he was filled with scorn for mad little clowns like Du Ruhai.

“Your Majesty, this old subjects wishes to sue that this Jiang Chen is completely without law and order. He caused a great disruption at the testing site of the Hidden Dragon Trials, beat the organizer and even dared to tempt Princess Gouyu to destroy the rules set down by the ancestors. Your Majesty, this brat had already acted wildly during the Rites of Heavenly Worship, and now insults the writs of the forefathers. The crimes of this Jiang father and son are heinous indeed, and your subject respectfully requests that Your Majesty pass a judgement to annihilate the Jiang family clan.”

Given that he now stood in his current position, Du Ruhai possessed a few political schemes up his sleeves. He naturally knew how to stoke emotions, how to generate public anger, how to add insult to injury, how to frame others, and how to pin a label on others - especially in order to put the finishing touches on the Jiang father and son death sentence.

However, in the multitude of his schemes, he had never reckoned that Eastern Lu had long since listed the Jiang father and son as part of the royal camp.

His performance here not only didn’t stoke any corresponding emotion from Eastern Lu, but rather gave birth to a bit of increased precaution against Du Ruhai.

Whereas amongst the crowd of assembled officials, some old men’s emotions had become a bit restless thanks to Du Ruhai’s machinations.

They were all old antiques and had already felt quite put out by the fact that Jiang Chen had luckily escaped being caned to death after his atrocious behavior during the Rites. They thought it was a bad omen.

And now, Jiang Chen hadn’t even properly licked his wounds before causing a great disturbance at the testing site of the Hidden Dragon Trials, and had challenged the writs of the forefathers! In their eyes, this was high treason and a monstrous crime.

“Your Majesty, the Jiang father and son are too presumptuous, and their behavior cannot be condoned!

“I too agree, we cannot facilitate the growth of such unhealthy trends!”

Two old geezers with white beards had quickly jumped out to chime in.

Jiang Chen flicked a glance at these two old geezers and then looked at the duke of Soaring Dragon who was standing deep in thought to the left of the dial.

The duke of Soaring Dragon wore a calm and indifferent expression, as if this business had absolutely nothing to do with him. But in actuality, Jiang Chen could be certain that he must have been controlling everything for the matter to have progressed to this state.

Du Ruhai putting on an act and complaining, two old geezers adding fuel to the flame, and a crew of followers playing jackal to the tiger as well.

Those present were all heavyweights in the Eastern Kingdom. If there were those that belonged to the duke of Soaring Dragon’s party, then there would definitely be those against him.

“Your Majesty, this old subject feels that something must be amiss after listening to Jiang Chen and His Excellency Du. Why not give them a chance for both to offer an explanation, respectively, and clear their own name? If Jiang Chen was in the wrong, then the law of the land will not forgive him. But if someone truly is so bold as to cheat and cause mischief on the Hidden Dragon Trials, is that not also an act of provocation against the writs of the forefathers? This old subjects feels that we cannot wrong a good man, and cannot let any villain off the hook. This matter must be handled in a just and open manner in order to give both sides a satisfactory explanation.” This person was obviously a firm stickler for the royal family and had stepped forward to give Eastern Lu a hand.

“Yes, your subject also thinks this way. At the end of the day, it’s a one-sided story from both of them. Your subject feels that we should let them finish their words and allow them to defend themselves.” This was an official that was friendly with the Jiang family.

Eastern Lu was deep in thought for a moment and then nodded. “Since this is the case, Minister Du, you start first.”

Du Ruhai nodded, “Alright, then please allow this old subject to speak first. This Jiang family had come to me twice before the three foundational exams began. The first time was to gift me six hundred thousand silver. I have been blessed with royal favor and my responsibilities are great, how could I be someone who takes bribes and bends the law? I immediately harshly denied Jiang Feng’s preposterous request to cheat and paid the silver to the national treasury after the fact.

The Jiang father and son once again invited me to their manor the second time. When their coaxing and pestering tactics failed, this Jiang Chen took to publicly threatening me, saying that I would regret my actions sooner or later.

This old subject is a firm and unyielding character. I have a clear conscience throughout the many matters I’ve handled for Your Majesty, why would I be afraid of the Jiang family threats? Except, who would’ve thought that this Jiang father and son would be so perverse and rabid as to disturb the testing site and even beat me when he didn’t pass! Your Majesty, professionals handle the many portions of the exams, and those subject officials reading the answer scrolls can attest to the fact that the scroll Jiang Chen handed in for grading was sheer bullshit and irrelevant. In this case, how could I have shown favoritism and cheated? Destroyed the objective rules of the Hidden Dragon Trials? Destroyed the writs as laid down by the forefathers?”

Du Ruhai’s tone was gloriously in state and he didn’t even pause for breath. Judging from his appearance, it was as if he was as impartial and incorruptible as Justice Bao (1).

One had to give it to him, his eloquence was fantastic. After his round of words, many neutral officials all felt that this Jiang family was probably not innocent.

Eastern Lu also felt this matter was quite tough to handle and looked at Jiang Chen.

“Your Majesty, your subject has come to the Aurum Imperial Hall not to engage in a verbal spar with this Du Ruhai. He has been an official for more than a decade and has long since trained his official eloquence to a perfect and flawless realm. He would even be able to say that a stick of straw was a bar of gold.

There was indeed a matter involving six hundred thousand silver, but it definitely wasn’t from my father requesting him to cheat and let me through. But rather, this man came to my Jiang Han manor to solicit a bribe, hinting that my Jiang family could buy peace of mind with money. If we didn’t pay up the six hundred thousand, then he would halt my progress in the foundational exams.

He accepted the money but then came once again to my family after receiving pressure from some parties. He indicated that he had received the money but would still halt my progress in the foundational exams. My father could not contain his anger and argued with him a bit. He did indeed say that Du Ruhai has accepted money but not done the corresponding work.

If six hundred thousand could buy peace, then our Jiang family was willing to be that sucker. When it’s all said and done, we could just go back to our territory and tighten our belts for a few years of hard living. But, never did we anticipate that this Du Ruhai, charged with royal favor, would accept the threats from a few parties and completely ignore the regulations of the ancestors and blatantly undermine the rules of the Hidden Dragon Trials. He employed slight of hand and switched out my answer scroll! Those present are all heavyweights with names and reputation in the kingdom. I would to ask how is it possible that I could pass the first two exams, but couldn’t pass the third that was based off rote memorization? Does this conform with common sense?”

“What? Switched out the answer scroll?”

“This Du Ruhai has such presumptions?”

“No one has ever messed around with the Hidden Dragon Trials throughout the ages. Can this Jiang family be making a false complaint?”

“What Jiang Chen says makes sense. The third exam completely relies on rote memorization. Even a seven, eight year old child could pass given some time!”

The officials held heated discussions. They suddenly didn’t know what was true and what was false.

If based on usual reputation, the duke of Jiang Han, Jiang Feng, was indeed a staunch and steadfast man.

On the other hand, Du Ruhai’s reputation was more mediocre. Many in the capital had heard that the man was greedy and had his fingers in and ate out of many pies when he was an official.

Eastern Lu rubbed his forehead and looked out at the rows of his subjects. He sorely wished that Princess Gouyu could materialize at this moment and help him make a judgement.

Except, this Gouyu hadn’t appeared even now. What was she busy with?

Du Ruhai was hopping mad, “Jiang Chen, you’re making unfounded, venomous accusations! Let me tell you something - this is the Aurum Imperial Hall. Your words must be backed up with evidence, if you have none, then I can sue you for the crime of defamation against an important official.”

“Evidence?” Jiang Chen gave a cold laugh. “I only ask one question. Du Ruhai, you say that my answer scroll is complete bullshit and irrelevant. Then let’s make a bet in the Aurum Imperial Hall. Summon the subject officials in charge of reading the scrolls, I will answer for them again, right now. We’ll see if my answer scroll is as unbearable as you say!”

“Answer again?” Du Ruhai planted his hands on his waist and laughed. “Jiang Chen, who do you think you are? The rules set forth by the ancestors have never been modified. Why should they be changed for you?”

“Du Ruhai, you object with all your might because you have a guilty conscience.”

At this moment, all the subject officials and Jiang Chen’s answer scroll had been presented to Eastern Lu.

Eastern Lu took a brief look and sighed lightly. “Jiang Chen, this answer scroll has your name on it and this handwriting is the same as yours. You will need more evidence to prove your innocence.”

Jiang Chen was wholly unafraid as he looked lightly upon the four subject officials. “Your Majesty, it would be difficult for your subject to find evidence given how the situation is now. However, I happen to remember all the contents of the exams as well as clearly remember my answers. I respectfully request Your Majesty to give me an opportunity to rewrite my correct answers. In this way, even if my Jiang family still loses this lawsuit and the dukedom, I, Jiang Chen, will accept and admit my defeat!”

“In that case, bring out the four treasures of the study!” Eastern Lu immediately gave his approval.

“Your Majesty, doesn’t this violate the writs of the ancestors?”

“Please consider carefully Your Majesty, how can the laws of the forefathers be easily changed?”

Eastern Lu smiled faintly, “Those assembled need not unduly worry, we merely wish to view this Jiang Chen’s correct answers, but did not say that we would let him pass if his answers were correct. Our actions are done to pursue a judgement on the case, and not to readminister the exam. Both sides in the case are our important ministers, and we dare not act carelessly.”

The four treasures of the study were quickly readied and Jiang Chen stepped forward confidently and naturally. His facial expression was cool and composed as he started writing.

The atmosphere of the scene however, fell into a strange sort of anxiety.

1. Ancient Chinese judge known for his absolute impartiality and fairness

Chapter 37: Drastic Change in the Situation, Conquering the Examiner

One had to admit, Jiang Chen’s memory was impressive. He had completely filled out multiple scrolls within the span of two hours.

Jiang Chen stood up, nicely rolled up his answer scrolls, and presented them.

“Your Majesty, please peruse these and then pass them over to the various subjects’ officials.” Jiang Chen’s tone was at ease and brimmed with confidence.

Eastern Lu took the scrolls and glanced a few times over them. He discovered that these answer scrolls were indeed different from the ones before. He thought deeply for a moment and then passed them onto the four subject officials.

“Four ministers, read them well. This is an important matter and you absolutely cannot be numb or careless.” Eastern Lu reminded.

The four officials in charge of their own respective subjects suddenly felt a mountain of pressure on them.

On one side was the ruler of the kingdom - the king’s reminder - and on the other was Du Ruhai’s gaze that held blatant warning and threats.

They were, after all, in the Aurum Imperial Hall, in royal territory. A king’s dignified majesty finally overcame the psychological pressure that Du Ruhai brought them.

The four people tried quite hard to calm themselves down and started reading.

At first, the four’s expression were only vaguely surprised as they thought that this answer scroll was indeed completely different from the one previous.

But when they read the creative portion in the second half, the expressions of the four subject officials became exceedingly grave. They would occasionally reveal an expression deep in thought and then smile in understanding. They would follow that up with an expression of running into a difficult problem, but then a look of sudden enlightenment would spread across their faces.

Many were extremely curious upon seeing the rich play of expressions across the four faces. Was the answer scroll that complicated to make this four read it with such ridiculous expressions?

The four finally rolled up the scrolls after a long while, despite wishing to continue.

“Well?” Eastern Lu asked personally.

“In response to Your Majesty, if we were to grade these scrolls, we would have surely awarded full points.”

“Absolutely, indeed. And, the creative portion displayed such a depth in theory, unique opinion, and vast experience that even your humble subject feels quite humbled and doesn’t quite measure up.”

“Your humble subject greatly agrees. This answer scroll brims over with talent and inspires the feeling of beholding a high mountain.”

“Your humble subject only has one sentence to say. This scroll is the first that your humble subject has seen in his life, it is unprecedented!”

The evaluations were one higher than the other.

Anyone could see that the officials in charge of the four subjects weren’t talking off the cuff. The fact that these answer scrolls contained many things that they would need time to digest could be seen from their intoxicated expressions.

Judging from their satisfied expressions, it was most likely true that the contents within the scroll were enough to open their eyes, and imparted no small amount of benefit.

Eastern Lu looked at Jiang Chen meaningfully and sighed lightly. “My ministers, we are a bit confused. How can the two answer scrolls be so drastically different with regards to the same test subjects. One of them brims with talent and has subdued the subject’s officials, while the other is full of unreadable rubbish and does not pass.”

“Your Majesty, a night has passed since that exam. The Jiang Han household could have easily hired a crew of experts to craft a satisfactory answer scroll through the course of a night. Such a matter would be so easy.”

It was true that many things changed easily throughout the course of a night.

Du Ruhai also started clamoring. “Your Majesty, this Jiang family is self styling themselves as clever and is not worth despising. Your subject would like to say something unwelcome. This Jiang Chen is renowned throughout the capital for being a good-for-nothing as well as ignorant and incompetent. Even the peddlers and the porters would be hard pressed to believe that he had created answer scrolls that had subdued examiners.”

The situation was once again disadvantageous towards Jiang Chen.

When everyone’s gazes had once again focused on Jiang Chen, he gave a hearty laugh and took a proud step forward. “It is reasonable for you all to think that I’ve cheated given it’s the same exam topic. Then if it would please the examiners, please propose a few more topics and Jiang Chen is willing to immediately engage the examiners in a bout of learning from each other.”

Learning from each other!

“Jiang Chen, do you think this is your Jiang Han manor? Your childish play will not be tolerated in this great hall! Once had already been outrageous enough, how could you be permitted to do so again?”

Indeed, the king had already been magnanimous enough to allow you to answer the questions again. How could your atrocious behavior be permitted again?

Eastern Lu laughed heartily and curbed the officials and courtiers itching to take action. “In this great hall, we sit and pontificate. It’s a wonderful thing that our Eastern Kingdom has a young junior with such courage. This should be commended and not smothered. We will accede to Jiang Chen’s wishes. Unfortunately, this places additional strain on the four subjects’ officials and causes them to expend more effort.”

The four subjects’ officials didn’t really care, they had already let loose. Since there was an opportunity to express themselves before the king, this wasn’t too bad either.

Besides, they were truly curious. Had Jiang Chen truly created the four answer scrolls? If that was the case, they too wished to test Jiang Chen and see what they might gain.

The four main subjects of “The Articles of Martial Arts”, “The Articles of Spirit Medicine”, “The Papers of Power and Influence”, and “The Papers of Military Strategy”.

Of those, “The Papers of Power and Influence”, and “The Papers of Military Strategy” were actually accompanying topics. There wasn’t much content tested, and their proportion wasn’t as weighted. Therefore, these two subjects were tested first.

The two examiners each gave two topics. Jiang Chen thought briefly and began to respond eloquently.

Clear thinking, innovative perspectives, an aspirational viewpoint, an unbound realm.

When Jiang Chen had answered all four questions, not only did the two examiners, but also some of the courtiers and officials, break out in applause.

Because Jiang Chen’s answers had simply been too splendid. Each answer had not deliberately pursued to do something new and original.

But each answer had cut in from a fresh angle and resulted in unexpected responses that also made sense. Listeners were able to reflect on the answers and gain something.

“Your Majesty. These two topics already encompass your humble subject’s lifetime of knowledge. No matter what angle we look at it from, young duke Jiang’s response has surpassed your humble subject’s level of learning. Your humble subject acquiesces.”

“Your humble subject also acquiesces. Your humble subject believes that with young duke Jiang’s level for “The Papers of Military Strategy”, there is no way that he was the person of the original scroll.”

These words created waves when they were spoken.

“Examiner Hua, what do you mean by that?”

Examiner Hua of “The Papers of Military Strategy” spoke faintly, “I am an old pedant, but also a scholar with a scholar’s integrity. Young duke Jiang’s standards leaves me in admiration. Therefore, I will say an additional word. As the organizer of the Hidden Dragon Trials, Your Excellency Du is broad minded, tolerant of diversity, and should be able to accommodate a variety of sounds?”

Du Ruhai’s face darkened, “But aren’t your words a public defamation that someone in the Hidden Dragon Trials cheated?”

“As to whether or not someone cheated, we prevail upon His Majesty to make an honored judgement. This humble subject dare not speak brashly.” Upon concluding, examiner Hua consciously backed up, closed his eyes and automatically entered a playing dead state.

“Heh heh, this humble subject will now test young duke Jiang in “The Articles of Spirit Medicine”.”

“Please deliver your instructions.” Jiang Chen cupped his hands.

“Alright, the first question deals with cultivating spirit ingredients. How is it that the common degree ninth rank spirit ingredient Three Immortal Grass often appears as one or two blades of grass when cultivated, as opposed to three blades of grass as it should be, like the three immortals in the heavens?”

Those who understood how to cultivate spirit ingredients all privately cursed this examiners. This question was too tricky wasn’t it? Even the examiner himself probably didn’t know why?

Jiang Chen smiled faintly. “The reason is simple. The Three Immortal Grass is a spirit ingredient in which three blades grow on the same stalk. If there is the slightest deviation during fertilization, causing one blade to become overly strong, it will swallow the other two blades. Therefore, in the cultivation of the Three Immortal Grass, there can be absolutely no aberrations in the tillage of the soil and application of spirit fertilizer. The slightest aberration will cause the gravest mistakes.”

“What? To think it would be so demanding?” The examiner thought carefully and suddenly whapped his head. “That’s true, why didn’t I think of this? I always thought it was the seed’s problem. According to the records, the Three Immortal Grass is like eagles and hawks in nature, able to eat their own kind. So it turns out it’s not that the Three Immortal Grass cannot grow three blades, but that it was swallowed by its brethren on the stalk!”

The examiner grinned widely and a few additional traces of admiration appeared in his look at Jiang Chen.

“Then I shall test you another question of refining pills. If you can also answer this question, I too shall vouch for you like old Hua has done!”

“Please go ahead.” Jiang Chen was neither humble nor overbearing, and did not forget himself in excessive joy because of the other’s promise.

“When I refine the ‘Divine Returning Qi Pill’, I sometimes use the eggs of the water heart bug, and sometimes the wings of ice cicadas. Why is it that using the eggs of the water heart bug can sometimes result in an upper rank pill, and sometimes the wings of ice cicadas can result in an upper rank pill? I’d like to ask which of these two ingredients are more suited for refining the ‘Divine Returning Qi Pill’?”

This question was also one that plagued this examiner for quite a while. In all these years of refining the Divine Returning Qi Pill, he ended up with a middle rank nine times out of ten and rarely produced an upper rank pill.

This had caused him to not gain much, and sometimes even resulted in a loss.

Jiang Chen searched through his memories and made his response. “Although the eggs of the water heart bug and the wings of the ice cicadas are both ingredients used in refining the Divine Returning Qi Pill, but they’re actually not the most ideal choice. If you use the Spirit Dream Frozen Rain Fruit, it will increase the chances of you refining an upper rank pill to seventy, eighty percent.”

“But why is that?” The examiner asked humbly.

“It’s quite simple. Whether it’s the eggs of the water heart bug or the wings of the ice cicadas, they are all beings of flesh and blood. The main ingredients of the Divine Returning Qi Pill will be somewhat cancelled out by the vigor of these two beings. When this is the case, you’d be hard pressed to refine an upper rank pill. Being able to produce one once in a while is simply good luck. The Spirit Dream Frozen Rain Fruit is a plant and has no vigor. Its characteristics also correspond best with the main ingredients. That is the best choice.”

“Ah…” The examiner’s mouth fell open and he didn’t speak for a long while. He finally bowed towards Jiang Chen after quite a bit of time had passed. “Now that I have heard this today, I can die without regret. I, old Zhao, also acquiesce.”

He then came to Eastern Lu, “Your Majesty, this youth’s knowledge of spirit ingredients is broad and profound, far surpassing this old man’s. Your humble subject also feels that young duke Jiang was not the author of that answer scroll.”

Examiner Zhao paused, and then added, “Completely incomparable. One is in the heavens, and the other on the earth.”

One person’s words may not hold much weight. Two people’s words could also be a coincidence.

But if three people speak, then that is no longer a coincidence.

The three examiners who had tested Jiang Chen had already spoken on his behalf and praised him ceaselessly. This situation had far outstripped everyone’s expectation.

Changes began to slowly occur in the situation.

Chapter 38: The Truth Comes Out, Heads Roll

The fourth examiner was in charge of “The Articles of Martial Arts”.

Jiang Chen was even more at ease in this field. He easily resolved the three questions that the examiner asked in succession.

These three questions all belonged to this examiner’s martial arts obstacles. They had restricted him for many years, and he had a feeling of suddenly seeing the light after Jiang Chen’s explanations.

“Your Majesty, your humble subject is a man of martial arts and dares to use my head to vouch for the young duke Jiang. If even his level is unable to pass the foundational exams, then no one in the younger generation will be able to pass.”

These words were even more thorough, more absolute.

The duke of Soaring Dragon’s face darkened slightly when he heard the fourth examiner’s words. Was this a slap in the face? My daughter Long Juxue was born with an azure phoenix constitution. Would her potential and experience be inferior to this brat’s? Humph. You’re a mere examiner, what aspects of life have you seen? How dare you speak so wildly?

The duke of Soaring Dragon was quite infuriated.

Du Ruhai immediately jumped out, “Your Majesty, your humble subject was charged by Your Majesty to administer the Hidden Dragon Trials. I have been diligent and hardworking, but was beaten by this presumptuous youth today. I beg Your Majesty to make a judicious decision and a judgement for your old subject.”

“Your Majesty, this Jiang Chen is lawless. Although he has some talent, he has repeatedly committed grave infractions. Your subject feels that we can no longer tolerate this youth.”

The duke of Soaring Dragon had finally spoken up.

His words represented the attitudes of a select portion.

Indeed, many courtiers and officials also jumped out and all sincerely begged Eastern Lu to handle this harshly in accordance with the laws of the land!

“Ministers, Jiang Chen is a youth brimming with talent. How could he have produced answer scrolls filled with such unreadable nonsense? I however, will be appointing Minister Du to quickly investigate the circumstances. Are there those unworthy in the ranks below who have employed some shady methods in private?”

Eastern Lu gave those aggressive proclamations the cold treatment. His words were the equivalent of publicly protecting Jiang Chen.

The duke of Soaring Dragon was about to open his mouth when light sounds suddenly traveled in from outside the hall.

“No need to investigate! I have already discovered the truth.” At this moment, Princess Gouyu, dressed in armor, walked in with a mighty and brave air.

The crowd of warriors akin to tigers and wolves that followed behind her were obviously the royal palace guards.

These royal palace guards had tied up a few people.

Du Ruhai’s face changed drastically when he saw the band of tied up people. These were all his confidantes! Had these guys broken under the pressure at this critical moment?

There was also a middle aged woman wearing gold and silver, with the shine of jewels all about her. Her face was shiny, and she wore powder and blush. Wasn’t this Du Ruhai’s wife?

The middle aged woman started cursing loudly when she saw Du Ruhai. “Du Ruhai, didn’t you commit a crime and were hauled off to the royal prisons? What are you doing here?”

Du Ruhai leapt up. “Who said I was hauled off to the royal prisons? That’s rumor mongering! You idiot woman, did you say something you shouldn’t have?”

The woman blanked, “I… I told them everything. They said leniency will follow frankness?”

Princes Gouyu laughed coldly once, “Royal brother, I have long since heard the rumors of Du Ruhai’s corruption and abuse of the law. I have been observing secretly and gathering evidence. Collecting evidence from all avenues has indeed resulted in rewards. This Du Ruhai is absolutely a harmful vermin! This is Du Ruhai’s wife’s confession and initialed testimony. There is detailed evidence for Du Ruhai’s cheating in the Hidden Dragon Trials.

And this, Ma Datong, is Du Ruhai’s confidente. Du Ruhai instructed him to commit the entire act. Ma Datong, now is your chance to redeem yourself with good service in front of His Majesty!”

This Ma Datong was indeed Du Ruhai’s confidante, and since Du Ruhai’s wife had confessed, he was only forcing himself down the path of death if he continued to cover things up.

He didn’t dare look at Du Ruhai either at that moment and genuflected tremblingly. He poured out the entire matter of how he’d swapped answer scrolls and how he’d hoodwinked others like beans being poured from a bamboo pipe.

Eastern Lu’s face darkened continuously as he listened.

“Then where are the original answer scrolls?

Princess Gouyu took them from the hands of a royal palace guard and presented it forward. “This Ma Datong was somewhat of a smart man and knew to hold something back. He surreptitiously kept them when Du Ruhai told him to destroy them, and they’ve acted as a lifesaver.”

Witnesses and material evidence were all present.

Following that, a steward who had mimicked Jiang Chen’s handwriting also confessed honestly.

All the crimes and evidence pointed to Du Ruhai without a single exception. These people had all been threatened and coerced by Du Ruhai, leaving them no choice but to do so.

Next up were continuous counts of accusations.

Du Ruhai was completely befuddled by what was occurring in his surroundings, and his blood pressure skyrocketed. His facial expression was wretched as he sat down heavily on the ground.

“How can this be, how can this be?”

Suddenly, his eyes glanced at the duke of Soaring Dragon and it was as if Du Ruhai had found a straw to clutch at. “Duke Long, say something on my behalf. I, Du Ruhai, have accomplished things for you before.”

At this moment, Du Ruhai was like a pile of turd. Whoever sullied themselves with it would be unlucky. Duke Long’s brow faintly creased as he privately cursed “useless” and kicked Du Ruhai away with one leg.

“In this duke’s life, petty villains like you that are greedy and jealous of the virtuous are the most abhorred.” The tone of the duke of Soaring Dragon was filled with disgust, as if disdaining a large fly, one that was to be avoided like the plague.

“Your Majesty, the thing that your subject Long Zhaofeng cannot abide the most in this life are traitors like these. Your subject sincerely requests that Your Majesty pronounce an edict to allow your subject to haul this thief out to behead and display publicly!”

Eastern Lu smiled faintly, thought momentarily, and then actually nodded his head. “We are comforted by Duke Long’s loyalty. Approved!”

Even Jiang Chen was a bit surprised by this development.

Princes Gouyu likewise harbored some confusion. But her confusion aside, she wasn’t about to say something after Eastern Lu had made a decision.

Du Ruhai was frightened out of his sense when he heard those words. “Duke Long, don’t kill me. I’m still of use.”

He also started barking up the wrong tree in his panic. When he saw that the duke of Soaring Dragon was ignoring him, he actually crawled backwards to Jiang Chen, “Young duke Jiang, I was in the wrong. I’m not human. I.... but I have inside information. I was coerced. Young duke Jiang, I know that you’re currently His Majesty’s favorite. Plead on my behalf and I, old Du, will become your dog from now on. I’ll bite whomever you tell me to bite. I have inside information to report. I…”

Jiang Chen had seen some wretched, petty villains after coming to this world, but he hadn’t thought that Du Ruhai could take things to another level.

“Du Ruhai, I said that you would regret it when you set a foot wrong. But who would’ve thought that you would die in Duke Long’s hands. What great irony.”

Jiang Chen laughed heartily and gave the duke of Soaring Dragon a meaningful look.

He had no need to treat anything as taboo in front of the duke of Soaring Dragon. Even a fool could see Duke Long’s shadow behind this matter.

As for why Eastern Lu hadn’t uncovered it, it must be because he didn’t want to blatantly call out Duke Long, yet. That was to say, it wasn’t time to show the cards in hand yet.

Du Ruhai was quickly hauled out and personally beheaded by the duke of Soaring Dragon!

When the duke of Soaring Dragon dragged the bloody, headless corpse in to discharge his duty, even Jiang Chen was a bit impressed by this person’s ruthlessness.

Although Du Ruhai was one of his dogs, he was a dog that did Duke Long’s bidding.

He’d beheaded Du Ruhai just like he said. He was indeed a fierce and ruthless person.

This disturbance quickly evolved into an anticorruption operation. Eastern Lu was exceedingly wrathful and he gave the order for house raids and execution!

The remaining accomplices were all sent to a distant exile!

As for the victim Jiang Chen’s true answer scrolls, after a round of verification from the four examiners, they discovered that the answers were exactly the same, matching the new answer scrolls he’d drawn up that day, with not a single word different.

This way, people were quite amazed by Jiang Chen’s astonishing memory.

The truth had come out. As the main organizer of the Hidden Dragon Trials, Princess Gouyu immediately announced that Jiang Chen had passed the three foundational exams and were qualified to enter the final exams of the Trials.

“I owe you one.”

When court had been dismissed, Jiang Chen nodded towards Princess Gouyu. Jiang Chen was much obliged to this favor as a lot of trouble would have been necessary otherwise.

“No need!” Princess Gouyu’s slender arms waved as she spoke with a businesslike manner. “I am the organizer of the Hidden Dragon Trials and it is part of my duties to ensure that each dukedom’s heir receives fair and just treatment.”

Jiang Chen smiled involuntarily. “Must you be so cocky?”

“Excuse me?” Princess Gouyu’s phoenix eyes moved and she asked with a frown.

“Women don’t look good when they frown.” Jiang Chen smiled faintly. “And, when I say I owe you one, then I owe you one.”

“Whatever.” Princess Gouyu flipped her wavy hair and her tone was still noncommittal. “Is there anything else? If not, I have many other things to take care of.”

One had to say, women’s thoughts were always quite odd. Princess Gouyu felt the same towards this Jiang Chen.

Her first impression had indeed been poor the first time she met Jiang Chen. She’d felt that this was a frivolous young man.

These thoughts became more resolute when he’d hotly lectured her during that first meeting.

Following that, Jiang Chen had even more unreservedly bossed around Princess Gouyu and dictated orders when it came to revamping Princess Zhiruo’s quarters.

Some bizarre feelings had appeared in Princess Gouyu’s heart at that moment, because she had yet to meet someone in her life who’d dared speak to her this way.

And, this person was at least six or seven years younger than her.

Afterwards, when Princess Gouyu learned that Eastern Zhiruos’s illness had actually taken a turn for the better after Jiang Chen’s diagnoses and treatment, her viewpoint had unknowingly taken a 180 degree turn in that moment.

When Jiang Chen caused the huge disturbance at the Soaring Dragon manor afterwards, Princess Gouyu had to admit that she had misjudged this youth previously.

And now in the present time, Princess Gouyu knew more clearly than anyone else that Jiang Chen was not as simple as he’d previously portrayed himself to be. That so-called fop and dandy who refused to learn and had no martial skills was absolutely a stealthy guise!

But, Princess Gouyu was also a headstrong person. She hadn’t received any concessions from Jiang Chen in their previous interactions, and a woman’s modesty prevented her from laying down her dignity and speaking calmly with this youth.

However, Jiang Chen had no idea that Princess Gouyu’s thoughts were thus, and thought this woman was still holding a grudge because he’d yelled at her that day in the palace.

Smiling wryly at Princess Gouyu’s sexy retreating figure, he smiled and increased his voice’s volume. “Conflicts of true qi result in difficulties of control. You’ve been stuck in the ten meridians true qi realm for at least three years now, no? Why have you continued to fail to breakthrough? I’d originally wanted to use this opportunity to return this favor, but forget it since you don’t want it.”

Princess Gouyu’s body that was as proud as a phoenix, vaguely shuddered once with weakness. Her moving lotus-like steps suddenly stopped.

Chapter 39: Giving Gouyu Pointers, Returning Her Favor

With Princess Gouyu’s proud nature, if Jiang Chen had said anything else, she would’ve flatly not turned back again.

But, Jiang Chen had happened to hit on currently her most sensitive, followed most closely, and most worrisome matter!

Yes, she had halted at ten meridians true qi for a good three years. When she was 18, a Princess Gouyu in her prime had shaken off the shackles and broken through nine meridians true qi with one stroke, ascending to ten meridians true qi, becoming the kingdom’s youngest true qi master.

In that moment, Princess Gouyu had resolutely affirmed that her life’s faith lay in practicing martial dao.

She’d labored all the time during these three years and had pretty much completely thrown all the missions that her royal brother Eastern Lu had handed to her over to Du Ruhai to control.

This was also why Du Ruhai could command the wind and rain in the Hidden Dragon Trials. It really was because she had given him too much power.

But in these three years, no matter how hard she’d tried, ventured out to train, traveled from north to south, she’d been unable to find opportunity needed to breakthrough to eleven meridians true qi.

That moment of ascension dragged its feet and had failed to arrive.

In these three years, she had tried, fought bravely, acted crazily, and even cried silently in the dark of the night when no one else was around.

But it was as if locks had been placed onto her path of martial dao. She had never been able to enter the halls of eleven meridians true qi.

She almost suspected that she had overestimated herself.

Was ten meridians true qi the upper limit of her potential?

During the time that she had returned to the capital, that was also one of the most downcast, dejected periods of her life.

That cold expression on her forehead spread out lightly, and subtle hints of emotion flashed visibly through her limpid eyes. However, this appearance only appeared for a brief flash.

Princess Gouyu reassumed her cold demeanor afterwards.

“You are young, do not guess wildly at issues of martial dao.”

“Is it really guessing randomly?” Jiang Chen smiled as he sat and waited. “You probably don’t even know that the anxiety you feel at being unable to breakthrough to eleven meridians true qi is written all over your face.

What probably has occurred to you even less is that at this rate, not only will you be unable to breakthrough, but you’re not far off from a cultivation deviation that will backfire on you.

You also have to admit that whenever the sun sets, your emotions become agitated and irritable, as if numerous raging fires are burning crazily in your chest, seeking to reduce you to ashes.

You can deny it, but I still have to say it. Treat it as me returning your favor. As for whether or not you’ll listen, that’s up to you.”

Jiang Chen displayed a kind smile. The smile of a fifteen or sixteen year old youth was the most brilliant and filled with sunshine, and also one to most easily dispel a gloomy haze.

Indeed, this kind smile caused the headstrong Princess Gouyu to surprisingly refrain from kicking up her heels and leaving, refuting Jiang Chen, but rather to look at him with a complicated gaze.

To look at a youth she understood less and less.

“Your potential, the method that you’re training in, all are all enough for you to breakthrough to the eleventh current of true qi. Your body embodies even the potential to try for spirit dao.

But unfortunately, you’re too bent on victory. Your headstrong personality has affected your state of mind.”

“So what?” Princess Gouyu was a bit dissatisfied but still wished Jiang Chen to quickly continue speaking.

“Very simple, one word - tranquility.” Jiang Chen smiled faintly. “The fire in you burns too hotly, resulting in an overabundance of yang qi within your body and causing an imbalance in your yin and yang. This affects the circulation of your meridians. Add to that your impatient nature, and it further weakens your control over your meridians.”

“That it?” Princess Gouyu didn’t seem to quite believe him.

“If you say it’s simple, then it’s that simple. But if you say it’s not simple, it’s also not that simple. Training in martial dao is not merely reading books and theory, but one must cultivate a state of tranquility and banish the demons of the heart. How is that simple? With your personality, I feel that the difficulty will be high. Have you not discovered that you’re walking closer and closer to a cultivation deviation?”

Princess Gouyu was moved. A trace of low spirits flashed across the unparalleled beauty of her face. She really didn’t want to admit it, but instinct told her that the truth was such.

Suddenly, her slightly frowning eyebrows lifted lightly and she blurted out a question, “Jiang Chen, do you have any ways to resolve this?”

Princess Gouyu had almost used up all her strength in asking this question. She even felt that she was truly weak. Why was she so childish as to ask him for answers? If he said he didn’t know, how ugly would that be?

Gouyu’s emotions were extremely complex in the span of a moment and she didn’t even have the courage to meet Jiang Chen’s eyes. The look from this youth seemed like it would pierce through metallic rocks and directly breach her inner mind.

“I said that I owe you one.” Jiang Chen smiled. “I’m going to go see Princess Zhiruo, would you like to come?”

Princess Gouyu stamped her foot, but cowardly her feet still betrayed her into following him.

Princess Zhiruo was overjoyed to see Jiang Chen. Her entire being seemed like it would fly up in her elation as looks of incomparably happiness shot out from her eyes.

“Brother Jiang Chen, didn’t you say you would come once a month? Is today’s visit because you missed Zhiruo?” The little girl was young and naturally had few reservations when she talked.

“How could I be at ease if I didn’t look in on you. What if they tortured you and didn’t follow my instructions? If anything happens to you, then my head will be chopped off to accompany you.” Jiang Chen was equally relaxed and casual around Princess Zhiruo.

The two laughed and talked without any trace of estrangement.

The newly arrived Princess Gouyu witnessed this scene and felt a bit odd in her heart. She rather envied the fact that they could chat so intimately.

But she also vaguely felt that this wasn’t quite appropriate.

But she said nothing in the end.

“Auntie, you’ve come to see me. How wonderful, Zhiruo has seen two of her most beloved people in the span of a second today. What joy!”

“Zhiruo, go fetch brush and paper, I’m going to write something down for your aunt.” Jiang Chen held an attitude of I’m-the-boss. He was also the only person who dared ordered Eastern Zhiruo around like this in the entire kingdom.

Even Eastern Lu was too tender hearted to order his daughter around like a maid.

But, this little girl was eating this up and ran off happily, as if an adult had given a candy to a child, full of energy.

She seemed to be honored to do something for Jiang Chen.

After receiving the brush and paper, Jiang Chen mused silently for a moment as he held the brush, and then began to write.

Two forms were quickly written.

“The first form is a set of incantations to smooth your qi. Take it back for some study, it will absolutely be of use to you in seeking tranquility. As for the second form, it’s a prescription. You can take it to prescribe medication for yourself.” Jiang Chen stuffed those two items into Princess Gouyu’s hands with a fluid motion.

She accepted them with robotic movements.

“You must be thinking, you’re just a silly brat, you’re bamming me with these things?” Jiang Chen smiled merrily. “You can choose to believe, or you can choose to not believe. Either way, I’ve returned the favor.

Oh right, if you truly don’t believe me, then you can take the prescription and auction it off at the Hall of Healing. Perhaps it can bring in three or five million silver for you.”

Jiang Chen started wandering around Princess Zhiruo’s quarters after he’d left those instructions.

The crouching yang stone had been placed according to his instructions. But for the time being, these crouching yang stones were still dead items that were not communicating with each other and had yet to form a matrix effect.

However, this was the most that he could do at this moment. With his current level of training, it would be a bit unrealistic to manipulate a matrix.

Temporarily speaking, it was more form than function. It would be quite decent if it could expand a tenth of its power.

“Alright, you two have a lovely chat, I’ve still things to do and need to go. Don’t be mischievous little one, don’t forget the things I told you.”

Jiang Chen felt that the scene’s atmosphere was a bit odd and decided to take his leave.

Eastern Zhiruo was a bit depressed. “Brother Jiang Chen, leaving when you’ve just arrived? Don’t worry, Zhiruo will live healthily for Brother Jiang Chen, and won’t drag you down with me.”

Jiang Chen was speechless after hearing those words and took his leave.

Princess Gouyu glared at Jiang Chen’s retreating figure and muttered, “This person loves to boast cockily.”

“Heh heh, Auntie, it’s not kind to say bad things about someone behind their back.” The little girl laughed mischievously. “Not to mention that someone had just benefited from that cocky person.”

“Alright you little brat, you’re biased towards outsiders and forget about your own family?” Princess Gouyu was quite close with this niece, and they acted more like sisters usually.

The sounds of laughter, giggling and play chasing sounded. Sounds of joy filled the entire yard in that moment.

Jiang Chen’s mind had finally calmed down when he left the palace, and he was summarizing the gains and losses of the day when a crowd of men and horses came up the street.

The leader was clad heavily in body armor. It was the leader of the Jiang family Iron Guard, Jiang Ying.

“Young duke, Duke Jiang has ordered me to come aid you.” Jiang Ying jumped down from his horse with smooth, practiced movement. His eyes were filled with wariness and they observed the vicinity in between his words.

“Uncle Ying, what are you doing here?” Jiang Chen’s thoughts raced as he seemed to immediately understand something.

“Let’s discuss after we’ve escorted the young duke back to the manor.” The contingent of Iron Guard had already surrounded Jiang Chen in the protective care of their core as Jiang Ying spoke.

“Has something happened?” Jiang Chen asked lowly.

“When His Lordship was leaving just now, he was ambushed at the door of the manor. The situation is quite chaotic in the capital, thus His Lordship has ordered me to come aid the young duke.”

“What? Was my father hurt?” Jiang Chen’s face darkened. It seemed like he’d underestimated the chaotic situation in the capital.

“Just some light injuries, he will be fine with a few days’ rest.” Jiang Ying’s eyes constantly patrolled the area like a hawk as he responded. His level of wariness was quite high.

“Who did it? Do we have any clues?” Jiang Chen relaxed slightly upon hearing that his father was seriously incapacitated. To be honest, the first person that he had identified with upon arriving on this world was that adorable father of his.

“I haven’t had the time to investigate.” Jiang Ying responded simply.

“Hmph. Looks like they were unable to take our Jiang land with the spirit vein through wit, so now they’re prepared to use force.” Jiang Chen could use merely his toes to figure out that this must be another hand that the duke of Soaring Dragon, Long Zhaofeng, had played.

Du Ruhai played the role of a striker in blocking Jiang Chen in the three foundational exams. Now add to that the attack on his father at the front door -- this was obviously a string of interconnected attacks.

Jiang Chen was enraged, truly enraged from the bottom of his heart.

The provocation that he’d been greeted with since coming to this world were all small interludes of minor fights and scuffles in Jiang Chen’s eyes. He had always viewed them with a detached attitude.

But now, a bloody truth was in front of him. This wasn’t a minor scuffle, but a bloodthirsty fight to the death.

“Long Zhaofeng…” Jiang Chen silently repeated this name in his heart, a strong urge to kill rushing to the forefront for the first time.

Chapter 40: Father Attacked, Controversy Renewed

What Jiang Chen and Jiang Ying both hadn’t thought of, was the fact that the duke of Jiang Han, Jiang Feng, had an injury that wasn’t as simple as it appeared to be. He hadn’t merely suffered a small wound.

His opponent had actually applied poison to the blade of the knife, and it was a violent and swift acting poison!

In the short time that Jiang Ying had gone out to escort Jiang Chen - less than an hour - Jiang Feng’s injuries had quickly deteriorated.

When Jiang Chen had returned to the manor, the duke of Jiang Han had already sank into a coma and his face was as black as cinders.

“Young duke, Master Ying, you’ve finally back. His Lordship…” The head steward of the manor, Jiang Fu, was so worried that tears had streaked down his face.

Jiang Chen combined three steps into two as he rushed to Jiang Feng, “Father!”

Jiang Feng’s consciousness had already sank into a coma. He merely groaned slightly, and his eyelids didn’t even open.

Jiang Ying’s fierce eyes were filled with thick regret. As the head of the Jiang family Iron Guard, it was his dereliction of duty in not properly protecting the duke.

“Your Lordship, your subordinate has failed you and can only thank you with my death.” Jiang Ying pulled out the dagger at his waist with a clang and slashed at his own neck.

Jiang Chen’s elbow bumped him slightly, just so happening to bump into the area between Jiang Ying’s waist and ribcage. Jiang Ying felt his arm go numb. Unable to firmly grasp the knife in his hands, the dagger fell to the ground with a clank.

“Jiang Ying, it’s easy for a man to die. Toiling to live in the face of hardship is the difficult part. You’re not going to tell me that the head of our Jiang family Iron Guard is a coward, are you?”

Jiang Chen’s tone was cold and severe, and it carried a few traces of a lecturing tone.

It was as if lightning had struck Jiang Ying. How comical was this scene? When had the young duke started lecturing like this? When had a foppish dandy that had given Jiang Ying headaches become equipped with such skill? Causing him to be unable to hold his waist dagger firmly with a careless bump?

Jiang Chen paid no more attention to Jiang Ying and asked Jiang Fu, “Have we sent for a doctor?”

“Yes we have. We’ve sent for three or four doctors and they all left without another word when they saw this situation. They were so scared that their faces had turned green.” Jiang Fu’s words were said with a tearful tone.

This type of poison had spread incredibly fast. If it wasn’t for the fact that Jiang Feng was a strong practitioner at nine meridians true qi, an ordinary person would’ve long since succumbed to death.

How could ordinary doctors, who had never seen this kind of poison, be able to cure it?

“Have none of the spirit alchemists been by?” Jiang Chen asked.

Jiang Fu was distressed. “I went in person to the Pill King Garden but was met with ridicule and mockery. I have no connections with the other two places.”

The Pill King Garden had always been in partnership with the Jiang family. Therefore Jiang Fu had not given it too much thought when he went to the Garden to ask for a spirit alchemist. He’d been subjected to a good round of ridicule and sneering, and it made him so angry that his entire body had shook.

Jiang Chen was speechless. This Jiang Fu was turning to any doctor he could find in his time of need. It would be a bizarre thing indeed if the Pill King Garden was willing to come cure Jiang Feng now.

Who knew, perhaps the Garden had even had a hand in the business with the poison.

After all, the situation now was quite clear. The Pill King Garden had thrown their lot in with the duke of Soaring Dragon and become a biting dog at his behest.

Jiang Chen did not sit idly by. He placed his fingers on Jiang Feng’s pulse as his brow creased faintly.

Jiang Chen had also conducted much research on the matters of employing poison in his past life.

He thought for a moment, stood up, and called for Jiang Fu to bring brush and paper, writing out a list.

“Jiang Fu, make a trip to the Hall of Healing and give this list to the third hallmaster Qiao Baishi. Also, ask him to come by with the items on the list.”

Jiang Chen fished around in his pockets and gave the engraved dragon medallion to Jiang Ying. “Uncle Ying, take this item and accompany Jiang Fu.”

Jiang Chen was calm in the face of panic and orderly in his measures.

For some reason, Jiang Ying had suddenly mysteriously grown a bit of confidence towards the young duke since being lectured by him just now.

“I hear and obey.” Jiang Ying knew that saving a life was as urgent as dousing a fire and he grabbed Jiang Fu, hauling him as he flew out the door.

One had to say, Qiao Baishi gave Jiang Chen a lot of face. He had arrived at the Jiang manor with the spirit medicines on the list in less than five minutes.

Qiao Baishi was also extremely shocked to see Jiang Feng’s condition.

After a moment’s diagnosis, his expression became even more grave. There were hints of incomprehension in his expression, some of deep musing and a bit of helplessness.

“Young duke Jiang, His Lordship has been poisoned. Of that there can be no doubt. But the theory behind this poison is difficult for me to grasp. I’m afraid that I am helpless with my mere level of practice. The lord hallmaster is highly resourceful and has extraordinary powers, but he unfortunately set out on a trip yesterday…”

Qiao Baishi’s tone carried regret and apology. He looked at Jiang Chen, momentarily at a loss of how to comfort him.

And, he was also internally shocked. To think that the situation within the capital would suddenly deteriorate to this! A regional duke had been ambushed on the doorsteps of his own house!

“Third hallmaster, in your mind, how many have the ability to use this poison within the capital?”

Qiao Baishi furrowed his brow in deep thought, and responded after a long while. “The three heavyweights in spirit medicine in the capital are all not particularly adept at using poison. I theorize that this wasn’t the work of a poison expert within the capital.

Young duke, the poison in your father has invaded the blood vessels. We must hurry and take action. Why not act according to the usual methods of treatment, and pierce the acupoints with silver needles in order to let out the poisoned blood?”

Although Qiao Bai could not fully grasp the workings of this poison, he knew treating poison usually followed this procedure. Bleeding out the poisoned blood first could at least slow down the speed in which the poison would attack the heart.

However, Jiang Chen shook his head. “No, we would be falling into the other’s trap if we use silver needles to pierce the acupoints. This poison is not one of blood, but one of the nerves. If we use silver needles to stimulate the acupoints, this will only cause the poison to spread faster.”

“What?” Qiao Baishi was extremely astonished. This was the first time that he had heard something like this.

Even the expressions of Jiang Ying and those on the sidelines changed drastically upon hearing these words.

Treating this poison in the usual way would actually increase the speed of the poison. It was a good thing that they hadn’t fancied themselves clever and used the silver needles. Otherwise, wasn’t this placing the duke in even greater danger?

Qiao Baishi suddenly remembered something and his brows quirked. “Young duke, you wrote a list for me and told me to bring those spirit medicines over. Do you already have a way to cure it?”

Jiang Chen nodded lightly. “If the level of my practice were similar to my father’s, I would be able to easily cure him of this poison. However, my father’s level is much higher than mine and thus it will take some effort to cure him. But I have my ways.

Jiang Fu, prepare a secret room.

Jiang Ying, activate the manor’s highest level of alert!

Third hallmaster, thank you for making the trip. Please wait here, I will come chat with you when I have cured my father of the poison.”

Qiao Baishi found it difficult to scratch the itch in his heart upon hearing Jiang Chen’s words. He had never seen this kind of poison before and really wanted to observe from the side. But he also knew that there couldn’t be a moment of distraction during the process of curing the poison, so he fiercely contained his curiosity.

But he would never agree to returning to the Hall at this moment if someone told him to. He wouldn’t give up this prime opportunity to broaden his perspectives.

Besides, he also wanted to use this opportunity to fully understand the theory behind curing this poison.

As a spirit alchemist, Qiao Baishi was an avid scholar. How could he miss a chance to learn and increase his skills?

He was willing to wait for ten days and ten nights without even the slightest crease of his brow - not to mention for just a short while.

This poison, although extremely incomprehensible in the ingredients used, wasn’t enough to stump the widely knowledgeable Jiang Chen. Although there were some uncommon methods used in the application of this poison that confounded even Qiao Baishi, a hallmaster in the Hall of Healing. Whoever had used the poison would count as an adept in using poison.

To Jiang Chen though, these tricks were all still at the pediatrics level.

One had to know, Jiang Chen had spent millions of years in studying the dao of alchemy in his past life, what had he not seen? Many of the alchemy immortals had often come to ask questions of Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen in his prior life was a wastrel in the aspect of training martial dao, but was a preeminent master at the level of being able to laugh proudly at the heavens in terms of the dao of alchemy.

In the entire process of Jiang Chen preventing Jiang Ying from committing suicide, instructing them to bring back Qiao Baishi, writing the list and conversing with Qiao Baishi just now, he had actually been continuously contemplating how to cure the poison.

Finally, he settled on a method that was most reliable for a cure.

After entering the secret room, Jiang Chen thoroughly crushed all the spirit medicine and completely dispersed them using vast waves true qi, incorporating the medicine into the true qi and conducting them into Jiang Feng’s body.

The theory of using true qi to conduct medicine seemed simple in theory, but it wasn’t something that just anyone could use to cure a poison.

First of all, the two people’s true qi must be of a common origin and could not have even the slightest bit of conflict. Otherwise the true qi would oppose each other, and the slightest conflict between the true qi would be enough to stimulate the poison and result in the poison spreading in all directions.

This process wouldn’t tolerate the slightest bit of interference.

For Jiang Chen, the only problem lay in the difference between his six meridians true qi and Jiang Feng’s nine meridians true qi. Since this was the case, he would have to be careful of the poison counterattacking while he was in the process of curing his father.

It was a good thing that Jiang Feng was in a poison induced coma. Although his consciousness still went through the motions of manipulating true qi out of habit, there was no way he could actually activate the limits of his true qi.

Add to that the fact that Jiang Chen was practicing the “Secret of the Nine Laughing Oceans”, a method that was hundreds of times more sophisticated than Jiang Feng’s “Vast Waves Method”.

Therefore, Jiang Chen’s vast waves true qi enjoyed absolute advantage and solidly conducted itself into Jiang Feng’s body, carrying the antidote medicines to all corners of Jiang Feng’s body.

In this matter, the process of curing the poison became simple.

Jiang Feng leisurely woke up after an hour.

“Chen’er, you’ve cured me of my poison?” Jiang Feng immediately extended his senses and was even more surprised. “Such rich and pure vast waves true qi, you… Chen’er, what level is your ‘Vast Waves Method’?”

Jiang Feng thought the rich and pure vast waves true qi were simply incredible.

Jiang Chen chuckled, “Father, I wanted to talk to you about this matter. I’m practicing not the “Vast Waves Method”, but the “Secret of the Nine Laughing Oceans”. “Vast Waves Method” is merely an offshoot of it, and is a method that shares a common origin with it.”

“Secret of the Nine Laughing Oceans?” Jiang Feng had become completely petrified.

“Yes, for instance. This Secret of the Nine Laughing Oceans is like the old ancestor of the “Vast Waves Method”. Father, find your inner peace and I’ll tell you. Practice the “Secret of the Nine Laughing Oceans” from now on and I promise that you’ll break through the shackles of the nine meridians true qi within a month, and join the ranks of the true qi masters!”

Within the realm of true qi, ten meridians true qi to twelve meridians true qi were all called true qi masters.

Becoming a true qi master meant entering the top levels of the true qi realm. The practitioner was bound to become the apex of the strong in the Eastern Kingdom!

It was as if Jiang Feng was in a dream, and his expression still had not fully recovered.

But Jiang Chen’s next sentence still fully flabberghasted him.

“Father, this “Secret of the Nine Laughing Oceans” is an advanced method. Practicing this method will grant you a seventy percent chance to assail the spirit dao realm!”

“Spirit dao realm?” Jiang Feng was utterly gobsmacked.

The spirit dao realm was a legendary existence to the superior practitioners in the Eastern Kingdom. It was said that in the entire hundreds of years of the Eastern Kingdom’s existence, only one had appeared!

Ascending to spirit dao was like becoming a golden scaled dragon. One would soar into the heavens, rise meteorically, break the worldly cage, and soar over the clouds!