FIMA Ch119: The Talent Show

Jinling Palace.

In the Wanhe Hall.

Wei Zhengping sat in a chair, drinking tea. His voice was light and delicate: “Gone?”

Wei Feng’s legs trembled slightly as he nodded: “Yes, yifu.”

Wei Zhengping raised his eyes and glanced at him: “A-Feng, you have been quite careless lately. Last night, you failed to catch the assassin who broke into the palace, and this morning, when you were sent to track down the killer of Yanyan, you let him escape again, huh…”

“Yifu… please forgive me.” Wei Feng’s face was covered in sweat, and his legs gave way as he knelt down: “I will intensify the investigation and will not let those people go.”

In the martial world, he was considered a top expert, admired by many, but at this moment, in front of Wei Zhengping, he was like an ant.

“Hmph, naturally, killing my adopted daughter and thinking they can escape?” Wei Zhengping gently placed the porcelain cup in his hand, making a slight clinking sound.

In the extremely quiet hall, it was particularly sharp to the ear.

Wei Feng hesitated for a moment, then respectfully said: “Actually, I had already tracked down the killer of Yanyan, but the killer was extremely cunning. He crossed the river during the night and headed towards Mount Langya.”

“Mount Langya, did he go to the Yuhuo Sect?” Wei Zhengping squinted his eyes.

“Yes.” Under his oppressive aura, Wei Feng couldn’t straighten his back and could only nod with difficulty.

“Hehe…” Wei Zhengping was silent for a moment, then chuckled softly: “A clever person, indeed? The Yuhuo Sect’s leader, Song Wudi’s ‘Nirvana Sacred Manual, is a great rival to our ‘Sunflower Manual’.”

Wei Feng quickly flattered: “Yifu’s divine power is unparalleled, how could Song Wudi compare?”

Wei Zhengping shook his head: “The prowess of Song Wudi is not something a waste like you could understand. Hmph, speaking of which, the Song clan has been sending invitations recently, wanting to meet the Emperor. I reckon today is quite a suitable day.”

In the entire Jianghuai region, the Song clan is the largest aristocratic family.

And the leader of the Yuhuo Sect, Song Wudi, was once a distant relative of the Song clan. The two sides have always supported and cooperated with each other.

Qinzheng Hall, side hall.

On the smooth floor, there was a bright yellow cushion.

Gu Siyuan sat cross-legged on it, his long hair floating despite no wind, and faint white vapor rising above his head, his face flushed red.

If anyone saw this, they would surely think it was a sign of going mad from cultivation.

It was unknown how much time passed before this phenomenon gradually faded.

Gu Siyuan pushed his palms forward, and the cups and saucers on the table in front of him began to shake violently.

He opened his eyes, his gaze deep: This ‘Xiantian Qiankun Gong’ truly lives up to its name as a rare book. Just half a day’s practice has such miraculous effects.

Xie Chenyun’s sword helped him greatly.

I wonder how he is doing now?

As he was thinking this.

Suddenly, Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow, lifted a nearby curtain, stepped down barefoot, and stood with his hands behind his back.

The next moment, a figure in black flashed by the window and knelt before him.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Gu Siyuan asked lightly, “No unexpected incidents on the way?”

“Young Master Xie and the other have successfully joined the Yuhuo Sect,” Shadow One replied coldly.

Sun Yanyan was, after all, Wei Zhengping’s adopted daughter, and there were so many martial artists from the Bureau of Purity. Now, with her dying for no apparent reason, Wei Zhengping certainly would not let this go easily.

For Wei Zhengping, crushing the Xie brothers would be as easy as crushing an ant.

Naturally, they could no longer stay at Xie Manor.

So, last night, after Gu Siyuan left Xie Manor, Xie Chenyun gave the remaining few servants at Xie Manor silver and dispersed them. He and Xie Mingkong hurried to join the Yuhuo Sect before dawn.

As the ancient saying goes: “All around Chuzhou are mountains.”

The headquarters of the Yuhuo Sect is located in the continuous mountain range outside Chuzhou.

Chuzhou and Jinling are very close, the two major cities facing each other across the Yangtze River, with Jinling in the south and Chuzhou in the north.

From Jinling City, taking a boat across the river and traveling about a hundred miles would only take about two hours.

In his previous life, after Xie Mingkong had an accident, Xie Chenyun also went to the Yuhuo Sect nearby to learn martial arts, seeking revenge.

Among the four major aristocratic families, there were private disagreements, but they were united in their opposition to Wei Zhengping, the “Nine Thousand Years Old.”

Xie Chenyun, under the pretext of accidentally killing Wei Zhengping’s adopted daughter, joined the Yuhuo Sect to avoid trouble. Naturally, the Yuhuo Sect would not refuse, especially since Xie Chenyun and Xie Mingkong were both top-notch martial arts talents.

When Gu Siyuan came out of the side hall.

His personal chief eunuch, Wang Tan, was waiting outside with a group of people. Seeing him, he quickly said, “Your Majesty, you’re finally up?”

Gu Siyuan asked, “What’s the matter?”

Wang Tan hurriedly said, “Just now, General Wei sent someone to say that after lunch, he will bring Duke Song to see Your Majesty.”

Gu Siyuan walked over to a chair and sat down, casually saying, “Duke Song, is he Song Tianyou, the head of the Song clan?”

Wang Tan nodded, “Yes.”

There is only one Duke Song. As the emperor, he asked this question, but no one around found it strange, which shows how muddleheaded his predecessor was.

“Then let them come!” Gu Siyuan pondered for a moment, then nodded and waved his hand, “Serve the meal!”

“Yes.” Wang Tan nodded and responded, signaling to the people behind him.

In a short while, several palace maids leaped in, each holding trays and dishes. Like butterflies among flowers, they gently placed dozens of exquisite and precious dishes on the low table in front of Gu Siyuan.

Since waking up at night and leaving the palace, Gu Siyuan had been practicing martial arts without a moment’s rest. Now, he was indeed quite hungry.

He said coldly, “Leave, I do not need to be served today.”

Given his usual unpredictable temper, the palace people dared not disobey him at all, and the hall quickly became silent.

Only his chief eunuch, Wang Tan, still stretched his neck, nervously peeking inside.

From the original plot and the predecessor’s memories, Gu Siyuan could tell that although this guy was a bit timid, he had grown up with him and was genuinely loyal.

He even tried to persuade him to care about state affairs whenever possible.

Seeing Wang Tan’s sneaky behavior, Gu Siyuan asked while holding his chopsticks, “What are you still doing here? Do you want to dine with me?”

“Your servant dares not!” Wang Tan quickly came to his senses.

He looked at Gu Siyuan, hesitated for a while, and finally said cautiously, “Your Majesty, General Wei and Duke Song are coming soon. Should the beauty inside be sent away?”

Gu Siyuan, holding a piece of chicken with mushrooms, put it in his mouth: “What beauty?”

Wang Tan’s face turned red, and he hurriedly said, “The beauty on the dragon bed last night when Wei Feng entered the hall.”

He thought Gu Siyuan was about to act foolishly again, seeking pleasure with the beauty even when meeting an external minister.

During his stay in the palace for the past few days, he had heard from the local palace servants that Duke Song was most upright and serious. If he quarreled with the emperor, it would not be good…

Gu Siyuan frowned slightly, finally understanding what he meant.

Ha…

That beauty Xie had long flown out of the palace.

He said lightly, “Last night, I personally sent her away.”

“Your Majesty is wise.” Wang Tan immediately laughed. After thinking for a moment, he said, “Your Majesty, I wonder which palace the beauty is from. I will arrange for someone to send some tonic…”

The so-called tonic in the palace was actually a euphemism, usually referring to contraceptive medicine.

Especially since the predecessor was so wanton, without restraint, dragon children and phoenix grandchildren would be everywhere.

Gu Siyuan shook his head, “No need.”

Tonic?

Xie Chenyun had been poisoned before and might indeed need a tonic, but now… should they chase him across the river to send it?

Upon hearing this, Wang Tan was stunned for a moment. After a long time, he slowly said, “As you command.”

Then he left with a very complicated expression.

His expression was so complex that even the usually indifferent Gu Siyuan noticed something was wrong.

Did he misunderstand something?

But soon, he calmed down and continued to focus on his meal.

Although Xie Chenyun was a beauty, he was not a beauty in his bed. How could a completely fictional matter lead to any serious consequences?

After Wang Tan closed the door to the bedroom, a young eunuch waiting nearby immediately came up, “Master, why did you come out alone?”

Looking at his innocent face, Wang Tan sighed deeply, ignorance is bliss.

The young eunuch, anxious from his sigh, trembled slightly, “Master? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Wang Tan shook the dust whisk in his hand and slowly stood under a nearby pillar.

He thought to himself: Should I tell you that we might soon have two more masters?

Since His Majesty ascended the throne, no one in the harem has ever left offspring.

But this time, not only did he hide that beauty, enjoying her alone, but he also granted her the grace to leave a bloodline. This clearly shows great favor!

…

After lunch, Gu Siyuan dozed off in his chair for a while. Then he heard the high-pitched announcement from outside.

Wei Zhengping and Duke Song had arrived.

Gu Siyuan opened his eyes, “Summon them!”

Two figures entered the hall almost side by side.

On the right, Wei Zhengping wore a dark green official robe. His face was pale and beardless, with shallow wrinkles, yet he did not appear old, looking like a man in his fifties.

But Gu Siyuan knew this old eunuch was already over eighty years old. He had entered the palace during the previous dynasty and survived when it was overthrown by the Zhou dynasty. Later, he served the late emperor, gradually gaining power.

Now, after Gu Siyuan ascended the throne, this old eunuch had truly become second only to one person in power.

On the left, Duke Song wore light armor.

The Song family had been military generals who fought alongside the late emperor to unify the land. Though Duke Song was now over seventy, his deep internal strength kept him robust and energetic.

The Song clan was the only one among the four great aristocratic families still somewhat loyal to the royal family.

Of course, in the original story, two years later, as the world gradually fell into chaos with constant uprisings, the Song family, pressured by the circumstances, also rebelled.

Song Tianyou saw Gu Siyuan lazily leaning on the dragon throne, half-closed eyes, looking like he was about to fall asleep.

Instantly, he felt a sense of sorrow.

The late emperor had been so wise and charismatic, unifying the Central Plains and ending centuries of chaos.

Yet, a few short years after his passing, his son had turned the court into such a state. If this continued, the land might fall into chaos again.

Just a few days ago, spies reported that the Wu family in Xiangchu was already showing signs of restlessness.

His mind turned over many thoughts.

Outwardly, Song Tianyou respectfully bowed, “Your subject greets Your Majesty.”

Wei Zhengping followed suit with a slight bow, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Gu Siyuan opened his eyes and looked at Song Tianyou, “I heard from my companion that Jiangdu is quite close to Jinling. Why has Duke Song only come to see me today?”

Upon hearing this, both Wei Zhengping and Duke Song squinted slightly.

Was this intentional or unintentional?

Wei Zhengping quickly smiled and explained, “Your Majesty, you forgot. The other day I reported that Duke Song requested an audience, but you were busy and postponed it.”

“Is that so?” Gu Siyuan responded casually.

Then, he glared at Wei Zhengping, “It must be because you, old thing, spoke too softly. I didn’t hear it clearly. Otherwise, no matter which beauty’s palace I was in, I would have come to see Duke Song.”

Duke Song’s expression changed, not knowing whether to feel glad or worried.

It was clear that the emperor was completely under Wei Zhengping’s control.

Seeing that Gu Siyuan still seemed muddled, Wei Zhengping relaxed slightly and quickly said, “Yes, it’s all my fault. Your Majesty is very busy. But as the saying goes, good food is worth waiting for. It’s the same seeing Duke Song now.”

Gu Siyuan nodded, “Makes sense.”

Wei Zhengping smiled broadly.

Duke Song could no longer stand it.

As an emperor, Gu Siyuan had been in such an important place like Southern Zhili for nearly ten days, yet he only indulged in pleasure in the palace, not meeting local officials to inquire about the people’s livelihood, nor consulting military families like the Song clan about defense matters. It was simply a joke.

He bowed and said, “Your Majesty, not only your subject but also officials from Jinling and Yangzhou are waiting to see you!”

Gu Siyuan made a bitter face, “So many people want to see me?”

Duke Song frowned, “Your Majesty, meeting with the ministers is the duty of a ruler.”

“Alright, let’s meet them then!” Gu Siyuan immediately changed his attitude.

Wei Zhengping was stunned, not expecting him to agree so easily, and frowned slightly.

Duke Song was delighted, thinking that the young emperor was not entirely foolish.

The officials under Southern Zhili had long been waiting outside the palace. Once Gu Siyuan agreed, Duke Song immediately had them called in.

Most of these officials were meeting Gu Siyuan for the first time. Although they had heard of his foolish reputation, they were still sincere in their bows.

Gu Siyuan raised his hand, allowing everyone to stand, “State your business briefly and leave if you have nothing.”

The officials then took turns reporting various matters.

Some were trivial, but others were matters of life and death.

After one official tearfully reported his case, Gu Siyuan nodded, “I know this. I read in history books that when there’s a disaster, we should provide relief. General Wei, give them money.”

The official blinked, feeling both joy and worry.

Wei Zhengping quickly smiled and said, “Your Majesty, the Jiangnan area is rich, known as the land of fish and rice. There’s no need for disaster relief. Besides, didn’t I report that we’re going to build another palace in Yangzhou? That requires money.”

Hearing this, the official immediately knelt, crying, “Your Majesty, in Southern Anhui, to release the flood from Suzhou and Zhejiang, tens of thousands of acres of fertile land were submerged, leaving many people homeless and without food. They are forced to eat Guanyin clay to survive…”

Gu Siyuan blinked and interrupted, curious, “Eating Guanyin clay? What delicacy is this that people are fighting over it? If so, minister, bring me a few hundred pounds. I will enjoy it with General Wei and Duke Song.”

“…” The official’s crying stopped abruptly.

He didn’t know whether the young emperor was truly ignorant or just pretending.

Wei Zhengping’s brow also twitched.

No one knew how much time had passed.

Looking at the several baskets of soil in front of him, Gu Siyuan became furious and kicked them over: “This stuff looks inedible; I won’t eat it.”

Duke Song sighed, “This is the suffering of the people, Your Majesty. The people of southern Anhui are in extreme hardship. I beg Your Majesty to order disaster relief!”

Gu Siyuan walked back to the dragon throne, sat down, and looked at Wei Zhengping: “General Wei, give them the money. Use the funds meant for building the Yangzhou palace. Anyway, I don’t want to go to Yangzhou for now. There are many beauties in Jinling; I want to stay here longer.”

His eyes lit up unconsciously.

Wei Zhengping frowned deeply, his voice also grew colder: “Your Majesty’s words are golden and should not be changed lightly…”

However, before he could finish, Duke Song interrupted immediately: “General Wei, His Majesty has already ordered disaster relief. Do you still want to force His Majesty to ignore the plight of the people?”

Wei Zhengping lowered his eyes, his expression darkening.

He had arranged for Duke Song to meet Gu Siyuan today, intending to embarrass him, but this young emperor’s capriciousness backfired on him.

At this moment, Duke Song softened his tone and coaxed Gu Siyuan: “Your Majesty, Qinhuai has always been known for its beauties. Stay in Jinling a bit longer, and I will arrange a selection of the finest beauties in Jiangnan for you.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Siyuan immediately stood up excitedly: “This is a great idea, Duke Song. Truly, you are a loyal minister of the Zhou dynasty. The funds for disaster relief, I entrust them to you. If the funds for the selection are insufficient, you can divert some from the relief funds.”

“…” Duke Song was speechless.

You are truly an incompetent ruler!

Nevertheless, he replied devoutly: “I obey the decree.”

After everyone had left the hall, Gu Siyuan exhaled a breath and stood cold-faced by the window.

Acting was more exhausting than practicing martial arts.

However, more than a month later, when the disaster relief in southern Anhui was concluded, the beauty selection organized by Duke Song also reached its final stages.

During the final round of the selection, Gu Siyuan saw a beauty disguised as a man.

Afterward, Gu Siyuan deeply understood what it meant to be mentally exhausted.

Why do the people around me never think the same way I do?