My Taoist buddy has practiced surrogacy

Chapter 1435 Self-awareness
Ling Xue knew this was a contraceptive potion, but she deliberately knocked over the bowl. A shard of porcelain pierced her palm, drawing blood. Zhou Xing heard the noise and came over. He looked at Ling Xue, a flash of anger in his eyes. He grabbed Ling Xue by the neck, pressed her against the glass wall of the bathroom, and coldly said, "You think you can live by deliberately seducing the emperor's bed?"

Ling Xue was in tears, but stubbornly remained silent. Zhou Xing looked at her, his anger rising, but in the end he let go of her hand.

Zhou Xing went to the imperial mausoleum to pay his respects. Inside, he looked at his mother's memorial tablet, his eyes filled with pain and hatred. He ordered his men to open his mother's coffin, revealing a jade bracelet that had been buried with her. The bracelet was soaked in decaying soil and emitted a foul odor.

Zhou Xing placed the jade bracelet on Ling Xue's wrist, his eyes cold as he said, "When A Rong was poisoned, she was clutching this in her hand." Ling Xue looked at the jade bracelet on her wrist, a chill running through her. She didn't know who A Rong was, but she knew that this person must be very important to Zhou Xing.

Back in the palace, Zhou Xing led Ling Xue to the depths of the Cold Palace. There was a secret room there, and hanging in the room was a faded portrait. The woman in the painting bore a striking resemblance to Ling Xue. Zhou Xing stared at the portrait with a somewhat obsessive look in his eyes. He used a dagger to cut Ling Xue's finger, letting the blood drip onto the portrait, and said, "Since you're a substitute, you should be aware of your place."

Ling Xue was in so much pain that tears streamed down her face, but she forced herself to remain silent. She knew that she was merely a substitute for A Rong in Zhou Xing's heart.

One stormy night, Zhou Xing burst into Ling Xue's room. He dragged her to a bronze mirror, grabbed her waist, and forced her to recite "The Ode to Changmen Palace." Ling Xue's lips trembled as she recited with difficulty. In the misty mirror, A Rong's famous line from years ago was reflected: "How can it compare to a phoenix perched on a parasol tree?" Zhou Xing stared at the image in the mirror, his eyes somewhat dazed.

An envoy from the Western Regions presented a young girl who looked exactly like Ling Xue. Zhou Xing bestowed upon the girl the title of Consort Rong and even specially gifted her the same rouge as Ling Xue. Ling Xue looked at Consort Rong, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She knew that her position in Zhou Xing's heart could be replaced at any moment.

Once, Consort Rong deliberately pushed Ling Xue into the icy lake. Ling Xue struggled in the frigid water, and just as she was about to lose consciousness, Zhou Xing jumped in and rescued her. Holding the soaking wet Ling Xue, Zhou Xing whispered in her ear, "Why isn't it you who's alive?" Hearing this, Ling Xue felt both moved and sorrowful.

Later, Ling Xue discovered a fragment of the Empress Dowager's will. It revealed that A Rong was actually Zhou Xing's half-sister. Shocked, she rushed to find Zhou Xing with the will. Upon seeing it, Zhou Xing flew into a rage. He burned the will in front of Ling Xue, then grabbed her by the throat and said, "Now you are the only substitute."

Upon learning of this, Consort Rong was consumed by jealousy. At her coming-of-age ceremony, she plotted to frame Ling Xue, making everyone witness Ling Xue pushing her into the water. Zhou Xing publicly ordered Ling Xue to be whipped thirty times. Ling Xue gritted her teeth, enduring this cruel punishment.

Just as she was about to faint, she suddenly saw the black iron dagger hidden in Zhou Xing's sleeve—the very weapon from the failed assassination attempt on him years ago. She was startled, wondering what Zhou Xing was thinking.

Zhou Xing mistakenly ate pastries laced with poison by Consort Rong, and immediately went berserk. He wreaked havoc throughout the palace, attacking anyone in sight. Ling Xue, trying to protect the emperor, had three of her ribs broken by him. But with her last strength, she plunged a dagger into the heart of the crazed tyrant.

Blood splattered on Ling Xue's face as she looked at Zhou Xing, her eyes filled with resolute determination. Just then, a secret edict from the late emperor popped out from a hidden compartment. Ling Xue looked at the edict, its contents shocking her. It turned out she was actually a princess of the previous dynasty.

Despite his high fever, Zhou Xing held Ling Xue's hand tightly, murmuring, "Arong, don't be afraid." Ling Xue looked at him, her heart aching. She used a gold hairpin to pry open the old wound on his occipital bone and discovered half a bronze tiger tally embedded in the decaying flesh—exactly the same one used by the assassin.

Ling Xue realized that a huge conspiracy seemed to be hidden behind all of this. She decided to find out the truth and seek justice for Zhou Xing and herself.

However, just as she was about to act, Consort Rong led the Imperial Guards to surround the bedchamber. Consort Rong sneered and revealed Ling Xue's identity as a member of the previous dynasty's royal family. Zhou Xing awoke in excruciating pain and, seeing this scene, unhesitatingly shoved the tiger tally into Ling Xue's hand, then turned to shield her from the arrows.

Holding the tiger tally, Ling Xue mobilized her old troops and led her army into the imperial city. They were invincible along the way. Meanwhile, Zhou Xing, coughing blood amidst the flames, laughed as he set the account book ablaze. He said to Ling Xue, "I didn't kill you back then... for today."

Ling Xue looked at Zhou Xing, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She knew that although Zhou Xing was a tyrant, he harbored complex feelings for her. The two faced off at the Vermilion Bird Gate, the atmosphere tense to the extreme.

Suddenly, an arrow flew towards Zhou Xing. Ling Xue had no time to think; she leaped in front of Zhou Xing to shield him. The arrow pierced her body, and blood stained her clothes. Zhou Xing looked at Ling Xue, his eyes filled with shock and heartache.

He held Ling Xue in his arms, watching the rebel army outside the city. At that moment, the rebel leader revealed the same black bird birthmark as Zhou Xing. Zhou Xing laughed maniacally: "So it was my child!" Before she breathed her last, Ling Xue wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes with her blood-stained fingers and said, "Your Majesty... don't cry."

According to the records of the Xin Dynasty historians, Emperor Zhaolie and Empress Xiaomin died in flames on the same day, leaving behind only a half-lotus-shaped bronze pendant in the scorched earth. That pendant seemed to tell the story of their intertwined love and hate, which was gradually buried in the dust of history as time passed.

The grand wedding procession of the Song Dynasty arrived at the border between Liang and Song, the wheels kicking up clouds of dust. Princess Ling Xue sat calmly in her bridal sedan chair, her expression serene, but her heart was in turmoil. This marriage was, for her, a cruel twist of fate, taking her away from the familiar and prosperous Song Dynasty to the barren and unknown Liang Dynasty.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted ahead, followed by a group of menacing bandits leaping from both sides of the road, brandishing sharp blades and shouting, "Leave your valuables, or we'll spare your lives!" The wedding procession was thrown into chaos. The guards hastily drew their swords to fight back, but the bandits outnumbered them, and the situation was extremely precarious. Just then, a simply dressed man with sharp eyes suddenly appeared. He was none other than King Zhou Xing of Liang, who had infiltrated the area incognito to scout the border, only to witness this perilous scene. Zhou Xing shouted, "Don't panic, I'm here to help you!" He charged into the crowd, using the fighting skills he had learned in modern times to quickly take down several bandits. Seeing this, the guards also mustered their courage and joined Zhou Xing in fighting the bandits.

After a fierce battle, the bandits were driven back. Zhou Xing walked up to Ling Xue's bridal sedan chair and bowed respectfully, saying, "Princess, you have been frightened. I am Zhou Xing, a citizen of Liang Kingdom." Ling Xue gently lifted a corner of the sedan chair curtain and looked at the man in front of her. Although he was dressed simply, he had an extraordinary temperament, and his eyes revealed a calmness and intelligence.

Afterwards, Ling Xue followed Zhou Xing into Liangdu. Along the way, she saw narrow streets, dilapidated houses, and people dressed in rags, their faces filled with suffering. That evening, upon entering the palace, Ling Xue sat in her simple bedchamber when Zhou Xing came to see her. He offered her some exquisite pastries, but Ling Xue only glanced at them briefly before recognizing that they were of a modern style. She was startled, but remained silent, observing Zhou Xing discreetly.

Late at night, Ling Xue lay in bed, unable to fall asleep. She recalled the day's events, her heart filled with questions. Who exactly was this Zhou Xing? Why did he have modern-style pastries? Was he truly the King of Liang? In this unfamiliar Liang Kingdom, Ling Xue felt uneasy for the first time; her future fate hung in the balance like a fog.

After spending several days together, Zhou Xing, seeing Ling Xue's exceptional intelligence, decided to reveal his true identity to her. One quiet night, Zhou Xing said to Ling Xue, "Princess, to be honest, I am originally from the 21st century. I accidentally traveled to this Liang Kingdom and became its king." Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Ling Xue's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She took out an exquisitely crafted model pistol from her bosom and handed it to Zhou Xing, saying, "This is made using the mechanical techniques of the Song Kingdom. Although it's not a real gun, its design principles are somewhat similar to modern firearms."

Zhou Xing took the model and examined it carefully, his curiosity about Ling Xue growing even stronger. He realized that this princess of Song was no ordinary woman, and perhaps she could become an important asset in his reform efforts in Liang.

At this time, the Liang Kingdom was suffering from a severe famine, with its people starving and displaced. In the court, ministers debated endlessly about disaster relief measures. Zhou Xing, overruling the objections, proposed a work-for-relief plan, involving the people in constructing water conservancy projects. This would solve their livelihood problems and improve Liang's water infrastructure. However, the Imperial Censor Zhao Gou opposed this, pointing at Zhou Xing and scolding him: "You foolish ruler! This measure is a waste of resources and manpower, utterly impractical!"

Ling Xue observed coldly from the sidelines, deeply dissatisfied with Zhao Gou's arrogance. After Zhao Gou left, Ling Xue quietly handed Zhou Xing a copy of the "Zizhi Tongjian" (Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government), saying, "Your Majesty, this book contains many principles of governance; perhaps it can help you find a solution." Zhou Xing took the book, his appreciation for Ling Xue's thoughtfulness and intelligence growing even stronger.

Soon after, a delegation from the Song Kingdom arrived. Ling Xue, under the guise of receiving them, secretly communicated with the delegation. She used Morse code to send a message to the Song Kingdom, informing them that she was well and inquiring about her mother's health. As the delegation departed, Ling Xue cleverly left her jade hairpin with a Song Kingdom guard so she could transmit more information later. She knew that in the Liang Kingdom, she couldn't rely solely on Zhou Xing; she also needed the Song Kingdom's support.

Zhou Xing knew that if Liang Kingdom wanted to become strong, it needed reforms. He ordered the establishment of a military equipment bureau, intending to replicate modern agricultural tools and weapons. Upon learning this, Ling Xue, using her mechanical skills learned in Song Kingdom, drew up blueprints for a curved plow. After receiving the blueprints, Zhou Xing immediately organized craftsmen to build it according to the designs. After numerous trials and improvements, the new agricultural tool was finally put into use, greatly improving the efficiency of farmland cultivation.

However, Zhou Xing's new policies threatened the interests of the nobles. The nobles gathered and plotted to assassinate Zhou Xing. Upon learning of this, Ling Xue, in league with Liang's female general Xiao Hongyu, meticulously orchestrated a "meteorite fall" scheme. They planted explosives at the nobles' gathering place, creating the illusion of a meteorite impact. Taking advantage of the chaos, they arrested the nobles who were plotting a rebellion.

However, corruption within the court remained rampant. To expose corrupt officials, Ling Xue devised a clever plan. She deliberately lost an embroidered handkerchief in the Imperial Garden, the handkerchief bearing secret script decipherable only by the Minister of Revenue of Liang. The Minister of Revenue, upon finding the handkerchief, fell for the trap and attempted to embezzle the implied valuables. Ling Xue and Zhou Xing followed the clues, uncovering a series of corruption cases and severely cracking down on the corrupt forces within the court.

A terrible plague broke out in the Liang Kingdom, claiming countless lives in a short period. The Imperial Medical Academy was helpless, watching the epidemic worsen. Ling Xue was extremely anxious. She remembered the medical books she had read in the Song Kingdom and suggested using lime disinfection to control the epidemic. Zhou Xing immediately ordered the people to burn lime in the city to disinfect the streets and houses.

However, the superstitious people mistook this for "witchcraft" and resisted it. To convince them of the method's effectiveness, Ling Xue resolutely decided to drink the distilled liquor. Seeing that even the princess dared to drink it, the people readily agreed to try. As time passed, the epidemic was initially brought under control.

During the fight against the epidemic, Ling Xue discovered that unscrupulous merchants were hoarding medicines and selling them at inflated prices. She led her elite guards, disguised as ordinary citizens, and raided the merchants' warehouse, seizing a large quantity of medicines. Then, she opened the Liang Kingdom's armory, retrieved the medicinal herbs, and distributed them to the people.

Zhou Xing wasn't idle either; based on modern medical knowledge, he improved the production method of penicillin. Ling Xue personally tested the drug, recording its effects and reactions. After numerous trials, penicillin was finally successfully used to treat plague patients, and the epidemic gradually subsided. This epidemic crisis deepened the bond between Zhou Xing and Ling Xue, and also increased the trust and respect of the people of Liang Kingdom.

Neighboring states, seeing Liang Kingdom gradually grow stronger under the rule of Zhou Xing and Ling Xue, grew jealous. The Northern Di, allied with the Western Liang, launched an attack on Liang Kingdom. Liang Kingdom's borders were in dire straits, and war was imminent.

Zhou Xing quickly deployed his troops, employing a "honeycomb formation" tactic to meet the enemy. Ling Xue organized the women to make gunpowder packs to support the front lines. On the battlefield, the gunpowder packs proved extremely powerful, throwing the enemy into chaos.

However, war is always fraught with danger. During one battle, Zhou Xing was unfortunately wounded by an arrow. Ling Xue was frantic with worry. Remembering modern knowledge of blood transfusions, she immediately had her blood type tested. Fortunately, her blood type matched Zhou Xing's. Without anesthesia, Ling Xue resolutely donated blood to Zhou Xing. She held Zhou Xing's hand tightly, looking at his pale face, tears welling up in her eyes.

After a fierce battle, the Liang army emerged victorious. In the aftermath, Liang captured a batch of bronze cannons. Ling Xue secretly melted them down and used the proceeds to mint copper coins. She said to Zhou Xing, "Your Majesty, we don't need these weapons that will only bring more war. We need to develop the economy and improve the lives of our people." Zhou Xing greatly admired Ling Xue's foresight.

After the war, the Liang Kingdom entered a period of peace and development. Ling Xue oversaw the construction of the "Wanxiang Academy," integrating the skills of the Song and Liang dynasties to cultivate talent. She used movable type printing to publish "Essentials of Agriculture and Sericulture," promoting advanced agricultural techniques and improving the lives of the people.