Upon hearing these words, Murong Yuan's eyes rekindled with hope. "Teacher, what method?"
The figure in black robes sneered coldly, slowly uttering four words: "Stirring up trouble first."
Murong Yuan suddenly recalled something, "Teacher's meaning is that we should first cause a disturbance at the imperial mausoleum, creating an uproar and forcing the Emperor to open the mausoleum?"
"Yes."
"But can this really work?"
Murong Yuan remembered that the Teacher could not approach the Great Emperor's Divine Image or the Emperor himself. Besides the imperial guards guarding the mausoleum, there were also many stone beast sculptures that were meant to guard it.
He did not know if the Teacher could approach those stone sculptures.
Thinking of this, Murong Yuan realized something, "Has Teacher considered that since it is a treasure that can inherit the founding Emperor's divine abilities, is it possible that the previous Emperor did not bring it to the mausoleum, but left it in a place we have overlooked, such as with Murong Xun?"
"The King of Chu does have something on him," the figure in black robes said. "But that item is not very relevant to the treasure I spoke of. Otherwise, would this old man have let him keep it until now?"
Murong Yuan frowned slightly. Although he coveted the Emperor's divine abilities, this matter was not easy to handle.
After all, it was the imperial mausoleum, the place the Emperor cherished the most.
If there was even the slightest misstep that allowed the Emperor to discover any traces, Murong Yuan dared not imagine the consequences.
The figure in black robes glanced at him, "What, are you afraid?"
"No, no." Murong Yuan quickly said, "I'm just concerned for Teacher. You've just recovered from a cold, and now you have to travel to the imperial mausoleum. As your student, I cannot be of any help, and I feel deeply ashamed."
"Just wait patiently," the figure in black robes said. "Within ten days, this old man will make Emperor Hongtai open the mausoleum himself!"
Xie Xun refused to take over the West Stable, nor did he attend court. Instead, he accompanied Jiang Xiaoxiao to the Yin Yang Office.
The Yin Yang Office opened on the first day when other government offices were closed for a break.
Apart from National Master Bai Cheng and his disciples, various officials also came to show their support, making the occasion quite lively.
As the true master behind the Yin Yang Office, Murong Yuan put on a grand display, even bringing a ceremonial guard.
As soon as the palace eunuch finished shouting "The Crown Prince has arrived," the officials hurriedly knelt on the ground.
Murong Yuan, dressed in a yellowish-brown python robe, walked in slowly with his hands behind his back. Palace eunuchs held parasols behind him, and his attendants moved in unison, well-trained.
His demeanor and bearing were so imposing that no one dared to look at him directly.
Murong Yuan gazed at the kneeling officials, feeling quite satisfied, the corners of his lips curving upward slightly.
But soon, that smile froze on his face.
Because two people followed him in.
He recognized both of them. One was the newly recruited Director of the Yin Yang Office, the same silly girl Jiang Xiaoxiao who had accompanied Xie Xun to the capital.
The other was Xie Xun himself!
Why was he here?!
Recalling the incident at the Imperial Deity Temple, Murong Yuan still felt uneasy and dared not get too close to Xie Xun, instinctively taking two steps back.
Bai Cheng was the first to notice Murong Yuan's unusual behavior and looked up, asking, "Is the Crown Prince unwell?"
Murong Yuan realized his lapse and quickly regained his composure, straightening his body. "Please, everyone, rise."
The crowd stood up and expressed their thanks.
Murong Yuan's gaze, filled with complexity, fell upon Xie Xun. "I heard the Emperor granted my third brother the West Stable. Why is the third brother not at the stable but here at the Yin Yang Office?"
Xie Xun casually lifted his eyelids, "The Yin Yang Office's doors are open, so this king came as he pleased."
His tone was so arrogant and unruly.
Upon hearing this, the crowd exchanged glances.
No wonder there were constant rumors outside that the King of Chu had a willful and unrestrained nature. Although they had doubts before, seeing him in person today, he was indeed even more outrageous than the rumors suggested.
Truly a country bumpkin raised in the provinces. Even though he had imperial blood flowing in his veins, he could not compare to the gracious and noble Crown Prince.
Ignoring the mocking or displeased looks from the crowd, Xie Xun pulled Jiang Xiaoxiao along, heading straight inside.
And he did not show any respect to Murong Yuan.
One official, unable to tolerate it any longer, angrily said, "Crown Prince, the King of Chu is openly defying imperial authority. He..."
Murong Yuan smiled and raised his hand to stop him, "The third brother has just returned from Yunzhou and is still unfamiliar with many of the capital's customs. Everyone, please understand."
The speaker was the Minister of Rites. Upon hearing this, he snorted coldly.
What did he mean by not understanding the capital's customs?
This was clearly a lack of proper upbringing!
Originally, the Ministry of Rites had arranged for an etiquette officer to visit the King of Chu's mansion two days ago to teach him court etiquette, as per protocol.
The King of Chu did let the etiquette officer in, but instead of learning properly, he insisted that the officer sing lewd and obscene songs for him.
In the end, the etiquette officer left in tears, his eyes red.
Fourteen years ago, he had infuriated several great scholars to the point of resignation. Now, just after returning to the capital, he had reduced an etiquette officer to tears.
This dissolute prince, apart from his noble title as a prince, was nothing special!
Murong Yuan saw through the crowd's resentment towards Xie Xun, and his lips curved into a gentle smile once more.
"Originally, I should have stayed longer for the Yin Yang Office's opening, but I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave early. Everyone, please carry on."
The incident of coughing up blood was still fresh in his mind, and Murong Yuan dared not stay too close to Xie Xun.
However, Xie Xun's presence might not be a bad thing.
At least, he had gained a wave of hatred, had he not?
Raising his eyebrows slightly, Murong Yuan swiftly left with his entourage.
After the Crown Prince's departure, the other officials remained to participate in the Yin Yang Office's opening ceremony.
Bai Cheng stood on the podium and briefly explained the purpose and mission behind establishing the Yin Yang Office. He then introduced the Director, Jiang Xiaoxiao, to the crowd.
After the introduction, Bai Cheng asked Jiang Xiaoxiao to say a few words.
Jiang Xiaoxiao looked a bit dazed and glanced at Xie Xun.
Xie Xun's gaze was gentle, "Say whatever comes to mind."
Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded and went up to the podium.
Facing all those eyes below, she showed no trace of nervousness or shyness, and immediately spoke:
"My name is Jiang Xiaoxiao, I'm Xie Xun's fiancée. I can eat and sleep, and when I'm not busy, I like to daydream. That's all."
The crowd: "???"
What kind of nonsense was that?
This person was fit to be the Director?
Everyone turned their gaze towards Bai Cheng, clearly expecting the National Master to provide a reasonable explanation.
Letting a young girl take charge of the Yin Yang Office was one thing, but she was also a dimwit. Was he mocking them?
Qin Fengmian covered his belly, laughing so hard he nearly rolled on the ground.
The little girl truly did not disappoint him - she was so amusing!
Jiang Xiaoxiao glanced at the crowd's resentful looks, her face still wearing the same vacant expression.
"When I initially found the Great Master's senior disciple Zhu Yan annoying, I beat him up and took the position of Master Governor. If any of you find me displeasing, you can also come and beat me up."
This statement was far too provocative.
The crowd's faces darkened.
"I'll go!" The one who spoke was Qin Fengmian's sixth senior brother, Yu Tianlang.
He lightly tapped his toes and leapt onto the high platform. Without giving Jiang Xiaoxiao a chance to react, his long sword carried a sharp sword aura, thrusting directly at her.
Qin Fengmian's heart skipped a beat, inwardly exclaiming that this was bad.
This sixth senior brother of his was renowned for his swift swordsmanship.
The sixth senior brother had originally been dissatisfied with Jiang Xiaoxiao becoming the Master Governor, and this sword strike was clearly imbued with resentment.
If it truly struck her, the little girl would be unable to dodge it.
"Be careful, Miss Jiang!" The seventh senior brother, Qiu Hong, called out a warning.
His impression of this Master Governor was actually just so-so, but today, in front of so many people, if Yu Tianlang's sword truly struck her, their National Master Mansion would be bullying others with their power, and their reputation would suffer.
The officials watched the high platform, almost no one showing concern on their faces, all waiting to see the show.
Bai Cheng couldn't help but slightly furrow his brow.
Today, it seemed unlikely to end well.
However, just as Yu Tianlang's sword tip was about to make contact with Jiang Xiaoxiao, everyone suddenly saw a semi-transparent heavy sword appear in her hand. She raised it, deflecting Yu Tianlang's powerful sword strike in the blink of an eye.
Yu Tianlang was instantly blown away, his internal organs churning, unexpectedly coughing up a mouthful of blood.
Bai Cheng's face was filled with shock, his whole body frozen.
"Spirit-Power Blademaking!"
Could someone really cultivate to this realm?
