Mang Shusheng's Ink Painting Practice

Chapter 214: Arguing with the Book

When Zhao Yifu returned to the prefectural residence of Xiangyang City carrying the "Taixu Forbidden Book", he saw the Black and White Impermanence squatting in the corner, as humble as minions.

I guess these two people couldn't figure out how this person could obtain the power of Emperor Dongyue in the world of the living?
Wouldn't it be necessary for the ghost messenger to come and pay his respects to him when he walks in the world of the living in the future?
However, Zhao Yifu was very humble. He said, "There's no need for you two gods to be so kind. You ghost messengers can do whatever you want in the future. If you encounter any difficulties, you can come to me. I will not refuse you."

Upon hearing this, the Black and White Impermanence all showed humble expressions, and then nodded in response.

What else is there to say?

The new leader is gentle and easy to talk to, but his subordinates cannot really regard him as an easy-going person.

Anyway, from then on, at least one of the Black and White Impermanence would squat beside Shi Youzhao to ensure that no other soul-catcher would hook away the soul of the dying man.

After all, Xiao Dongyue doesn't want him to die now, so he can't die.

Just when Zhao Yifu was thinking about saying goodbye after Yang Zaixuan and Zhao Xiangyu came back, Zhou Su had already sent someone to find him first.

Zhao Yifu walked over unexpectedly and met Yang Zaixuan and Zhao Xiangyu on the road.

"Son!"

Yang Zaixuan greeted with surprise.

The young man is in very high spirits now, after all, he just won a great victory.

When Zhao Xiangyu saw Zhao Yifu, her expression suddenly changed. She said very gently and virtuously, "Junxin, you're here too?"

Zhao Yifu felt a chill all over his body and a chill in his heart. He had never seen a sister who was so gentle and spoke in such a clipped tone.

But he still felt relieved that his sister finally knew she was going to be fine!

As expected, love changes people beyond recognition...

Zhao Yifu coughed dryly and asked, "Sister, were you injured in the battle?"

Zhao Xiangyu glanced at Yang Zaixuan charmingly, then said, "If Zaixuan hadn't helped me so many times, I would probably be covered in wounds now."

Zhao Yifu also glanced at Yang Zaixuan approvingly, meaning 'well done.'

Yang Zaixuan clasped his fists towards Zhao Yifu without saying anything. He was a little hesitant to speak.

Because in his heart, Zhao Yifu was his benefactor, and it was extremely immoral to have improper feelings for Zhao Yifu's sister.

Zhao Yifu could probably guess what he was thinking, and found it amusing and reassuring. If Yang Zaixuan didn't have such a boundary in his heart, how could he trust his sister with such confidence?

But just when he was about to reveal the secret, they had already arrived at the hall of the prefectural yamen, and then heard Zhao Guhe's angry voice like a lion.

"Impossible! We can never agree to this!"

When Zhao Yifu and the other two walked into the hall, they saw Zhao Guhe, whose face was red with anger.

Wow, this COS is getting more and more like it.

Zhao Yifu clasped his fists towards Zhou Su and said, "Master, what happened to my second uncle?"

Zhou Su was lost in thought. Seeing Zhao Yifu, he didn't respond. Instead, he pointed to another person in the hall and said, "This is the envoy sent by Lu Jinglue. He hopes we can hand over the prisoners."

The messenger smiled casually and said, "That's right. My Lord Lu Jinglue, who was in charge of the southwest of the capital, orchestrated this great victory. The prisoners should be kept in his care... We will send them to the capital to be presented tomorrow. Naturally, I will not forget to record your achievements."

No wonder Zhao Guhe was angry, he was here to steal the credit!
This time, Zhao Guhe calmed down. Although his face was still red, he looked at Zhao Yifu and said, "Jun Xin, what do you think about this matter?"

Zhao Yifu was silent for a moment, then said, "On this matter...just follow the instructions of your mentor."

Zhao Guhe suddenly calmed down after hearing what he said. He said, "Okay, I'll follow your arrangements, my lord."

Miraculously, Zhao Guhe, who was furious just now, calmed down after hearing what Zhao Yifu said.

This actually reflects Zhao Yifu's status among the Zhao clan members at that time.

As the only scholar in the Zhao family, and a scholar who has passed the imperial examination, he is the wisest person in the family. Everyone is willing to believe that he will not let his own people suffer.

Zhou Su seemed to understand something and nodded to the messenger, saying, "I understand what Mr. Jiang means. Since Lord Lu wants to personally guard the prisoners, that is naturally a good thing."

The envoy surnamed Jiang said, "In that case, let's hand it over as soon as possible."

How impatient this is.

Zhou Su said in embarrassment: "I'm afraid this is not convenient."

The envoy surnamed Jiang asked, "Why is this?"

His tone was a little bad, and he showed no respect for Zhou Su at all.

Zhao Yifu was secretly angry, but he suppressed the anger of others with just a look and let Zhou Su deal with it.

Zhou Su naturally didn't need help from others. He said calmly, "Because Beiliao's military marshal Shi Youzhao is in poor health, he can only be stabilized by the personal care of Manshan Ling. If we rashly move him, I'm afraid..."

The envoy surnamed Jiang frowned and said, "The Order of Manshan? Could he also be the Sage of Xinglin?"

Zhao Yifu shook his head when he heard this and said, "There's a famous doctor in my family, and I learned a little from him, but I can't be considered a member of the medical profession."

Upon hearing this, the envoy surnamed Jiang said decisively, "If that's the case, then we must send him to where Lord Lu is. Once we get to Zhangkou, there will naturally be a famous doctor to treat him."

Zhou Su sighed upon hearing this and said, "Well, since the envoy insists, I won't stop him."

He then arranged for his men to hand over the task to the envoy.

Not long after, the envoy named Jiang sent by Lu Zhao left with a triumphant look on his face.

Zhao Xiangyu was very puzzled by this. She didn't dare to question Zhou Su, but she didn't feel any pressure when it came to Zhao Yifu.

She asked Zhao Yifu, "Jun Xin, what do you think?"

At this time, the red-clothed female general standing silently beside them said softly, "Senior Brother Junxin and father must have deeper plans. Sister Xiangyu, please don't ask too much."

Zhao Yifu nodded at Zhou Qingzhao with a gentle and calm smile, then looked at Zhou Su and said, "Master, when do you want Shi Youzhao to die?"

Everyone was stunned when they heard this.

Zhou Su said, "Since the person has been handed over, when he lives and when he dies is not my business."

What he said was very interesting. Wasn't he implying that Zhao Yifu could just do it himself and there was no need to ask him?

Zhao Yifu nodded, then sent a message in Qianlihua: [Shi Youzhao has been taken away by Lu Zhao, what are your plans?]

Ying Cong said without hesitation: "Let him come and report his achievements. Before he is ready to offer his captives and set off, kill Shi Youzhao!"

How cruel.

Zhao Yifu asked: [In this way, you have lost an opportunity to write a great story about the surrender of captives.]

Ying Cong replied: [That's all empty talk. Only the swift recovery of the old capital is the true great cause for the ages... Lu Zhao is blocking the way. This is a good way to remove this obstacle.]

Only by removing Lu Zhao in the quickest and most effective way can we, Great Xu, quickly organize a counterattack in southwest Beijing... and the northern expedition in southwest Beijing is the direction of the ancient capital!

This time, Ying Cong's vision was long enough and he expressed a beautiful vision.

He would rather miss the opportunity to show off his prowess in front of the public and demonstrate his imperial achievements, but he must achieve the goal of the Northern Expedition.

Zhao Yifu nodded and said, "I understand. Next, I will destroy all the forces of Lu Zhao."

He gave a preventive shot first.

Ying Cong immediately said, "Yes, they should be punished to death. This pest of the country should have died long ago."

After Zhao Yifu exchanged ideas with his pen pal, he looked up at his sister, who looked unconvinced, and said with a smile, "Let me ask you, is it more important to show off your achievements to Second Uncle, Zaixuan, and the others, or is it more important for my Great Xu to conquer the north?"

Zhao Xiangyu was stunned for a moment, then said reluctantly, "Of course the Northern Expedition is more important."

"Northern Expedition!"

Suddenly, Zhou Su murmured something, then stood up and looked far away towards the north, saying, "Northern Expedition...Northern Expedition!"

"Yes, we must march north... Even if I die, I must die on the expedition. Otherwise, I will never be at peace, and I will never sleep in peace..."

His gaze suddenly became solemn and distant.

This feels wrong, as if I have suddenly found the meaning of life, with a feeling of going all out and disregarding everything.

"Jun Xin."

The old man suddenly shouted.

Zhao Yifu responded, "Yes, teacher, I'm here."

Zhou Su said solemnly: "In this lifetime, I will definitely succeed in the Northern Expedition!"

Zhao Yifu replied, "Yes, Master. I will do my best to help you succeed."

Behind him, Zhao Guhe, Zhao Xiangyu and his daughter, Yang Zaixuan and Zhou Qingzhao looked at each other, and at the same time, they felt an unprecedented sense of mission in their hearts.

"Northern Expedition!"

Zhou Su shouted.

"Northern Expedition!" X2
This time, Zhao Yifu joined in the shouting.

"Northern Expedition!" X6
Everyone present shouted in unison.

At this moment, the will of their small group was unprecedentedly unified. They were infected by the old man's emotions and regarded this matter as their lifelong ambition.

How could Zhao Yifu miss such a pretentious scene?
The Qianli painting in his sleeve has recorded this scene.

【Wise ministers and patriots are my great fortune! 】

[Northern Expedition! Northern Expedition!]

[I wish I could be there and raise my arms with you! ]

Ying Cong also became excited and wrote a lot of words on the scroll, but the overall meaning was the same.

Although Zhao Yifu shouted along with everyone, he was not excited at all. He was a man who had experienced another great era. For him, the unification of the north and the south was only the basic condition for true rise.

However, people of this era may not be able to tolerate this kind of passion. Even Zhou Qingzhao's eyes flashed with fire, as if love between young men and women was no longer important in the face of such a major event.

Zhao Yifu felt a little relieved.

Then he said, "I'm going back to Manshan County to take charge. My dear teacher, just build a defense line in Xiangyang and prepare for the counterattack. I will deal with the trouble from Lu Jinglüe in the rear."

Zhou Su had come back to his senses by now. He was also wondering why he was suddenly so excited, like a hot-blooded warrior.

However, he didn't care, but frowned and said: "Jun Xin, don't overdo it. Although Lu Zhao doesn't do any work, he is still an official appointed by the court."

Zhao Yifu smiled and said, "Don't worry, Master. I will definitely act within the scope of the court's laws and will not overstep the boundaries."

Zhou Su nodded reluctantly after hearing this. He knew that Zhao Yifu knew his limits.

At this time, Yang Zaixuan said, "Sir, I will go back with you."

Zhao Yifu stopped him, saying, "You'd better study hard under my mentor. With your talent, you can only flourish in Xiangyang City."

Yang Zaixuan said, "But, sir, if you face the pressure from Lu Zhao alone, I'm afraid..."

Zhao Yifu was a little amused and a little angry. He said, "Zaixuan, ah Zaixuan, do you think your son is so weak?"

Yang Zaixuan shrank his neck and said quickly, "Of course not."

Of course not, why would he follow Zhao Yifu?

Didn’t you see how bravely Zhao Yifu broke down the city gate by himself?

Zhao Yifu then laughed and said, "Don't forget that I have another identity in Manshan County, that is the commander of the Manshan Camp!" "I can do everything uprightly."

Yang Zaixuan hesitated for a moment and felt that what Zhao Yifu said made sense.

At this time, Zhao Xiangyu also advised: "Yes, Zaixuan, don't worry about him. He can handle everything himself."

Zhao Yifu glared at Zhao Xiangyu, thinking that this sister had forgotten the matchmaker now that she had a lover. How hateful.

Zhao Xiangyu was not afraid of his glare, and she even gave him a smug look in return.

Unexpectedly, the upright Zhao Guhe suddenly said, "In that case, let Xiangyu accompany Junxin to stay in Manshan County for a while."

In his simple mind, what Zhao Yifu had to do was full of difficulties, and at times like this he could only feel at ease if his family members were around to help him.

The originally proud Zhao Xiangyu's face turned green. She wanted to be with Yang Lang, who was tall, handsome and a perfect match for her in every way. Who would want to be with that stinky brother!

However, Zhao Guhe didn't even wait for her to object, and immediately made the decision: "It's settled. Xiangyu, a battlefield general, is of no use staying in Xiangyang at this time. It's better for her to take some personal guards with her to go with Junxin."

"If anything happens, we can come quickly for help without any delay."

Zhou Su nodded and said, "That's great. I can rest assured now."

That was the end of the matter, and Zhao Xiangyu was completely dejected.

Her eyes were lifeless, and there was a hint of tears in her eyes as she looked at Zhao Yifu.

It's really rare to see her crying face.

Zhao Yifu was gloating in his heart, but on the surface he comforted her: "Sister Xiangyu, don't be like this. You can come back as soon as I have dealt with everything over there."

Zhao Xiangyu said with a dazed look in her eyes, "How long will it take you to deal with this kind of thing?"

"One month, two months?"

"Or half a year? A year?"

Zhao Yifu was speechless. Who could say for sure about such things?

He could only say: "I'll have to go and see the situation to find out."

Zhao Xiangyu was unhappy, but the two of them still set off in a vigorous manner.

But it wasn't just the two of them going back, twenty other members of the Zhao family also followed suit.

They did not ride horses because when they needed to hurry, these Zhao family warriors could walk faster and for longer than riding horses.

So they set out in the morning and arrived in the evening, and finally arrived at the gate of Manshan County before sunset.

However, what surprised Zhao Yifu was that the city gate was guarded by soldiers, and the city wall was also full of soldiers.

"They are from the Manshan Camp."

Zhao Yifu said confidently, "They are back."

This is actually a bit ironic. During the war, the Manshan Camp abandoned the city and left. Now that the war is over, they have returned. This is really...

Zhao Xiangyu said coldly, "What a bunch of villains."

Zhao Yifu laughed and said, "Sister, I know you're anxious to go back to Zaixuan. Isn't this a chance to quickly resolve the problem?"

Zhao Xiangyu was surprised. She looked at Zhao Yifu and said, "You're not planning to attack the Manshan Camp, are you?"

"If we don't mention it, it will only intensify the conflict. How can we fight with just these people?"

Zhao Yifu said, "Don't worry, sister. Just watch me operate."

He led his team carelessly to the city gate, and the soldiers at the gate all looked at him with innocent eyes...

No one came up to check.

Some even stepped forward and said, "Meetings, County Magistrate Zhao, you've had a hard time on your journey."

A bit flattering.

Zhao Yifu was a little discouraged. This was different from what he had planned.

He originally thought that upon his return, he would inevitably be ostracized and suppressed by the Barbarian Mountain Camp, so that he could find a legitimate way to cause trouble.

But they all smiled so sweetly and sincerely that it was difficult for him to handle them.

In fact, he was also to blame for this, as he led Yang Zaixuan and others to achieve such an amazing record.

Everyone in Manshan County knows that the new county magistrate is a ruthless man. He led his own men to defeat two attacks from the Liao State, totaling nearly 40,000 troops. What kind of achievement is this?

Not to mention that they then joined forces with Xiangyang City to defeat the 300,000-strong army of Liao State.

In short, no matter how the people above fight, the people below really dare not act presumptuously in the face of such a powerful person.

Zhao Xiangyu also noticed Zhao Yifu's embarrassment and laughed.

She felt much better. She discovered that her brother, a scholar, could also make mistakes and act stupidly, and she became much more cheerful.

She is indeed a good sister...

Zhao Yifu was escorted into the city by a group of soldiers from the Manshan Camp. He was at a loss as to how to respond to their attentive attitude.

But he still asked, "Where is Commander Wu Dun?"

The young officer who led the way said, "Commander Wu is currently handling military affairs. Manshan County has been devastated by the war and needs to be rebuilt. Many matters need to be discussed with the County Lord, so the Commander will likely come to see the County Lord in person shortly."

Zhao Yifu was speechless again. The other party had thought it through very carefully.

He could only say, "Okay, I'll wait for him at the county government office."

As he said this, he went to the county government office.

This county government office...

To be honest, he didn't expect that his yard in the county government office had been thoroughly tidied up, and it was cleaned inside and out, which saved Wu Zhong a lot of work.

Wu Zhong came out from Zhao Yi Fu's sleeve and inspected the county government office inside and out.

Zhao Xiangyu took her family down there to settle down.

At this moment, Wu Zhong exclaimed, "Master!"

Zhao Yifu followed the sound and asked, "What's going on?"

Wu Zhong pointed to the study and said, "Master, look, there's a box of gold here!"

Zhao Yifu was not surprised at all. It was just worldly money, which could not move him.

He said: "It's just a bribe, what's so strange about it."

If it were back then, he would have accepted the box of money.

But now, he has higher aspirations.

So he picked up the box with one hand and took it to the county government office.

Zhao Yifu sat calmly in the county government office, and when he had nothing to do, he opened the "Taixu Forbidden Book".

This is his handwritten book, and he habitually prepares to review it in order to learn new things.

But when he opened the "Taixu Forbidden Book", he unexpectedly found that something was wrong.

The words are still the same, but the lines are full of distortion, ridicule and irony.

It was clearly the same words, but he seemed to see many doubts, doubts about every sentence and even every word!
Zhao Yifu's thoughts were distracted for a moment by these ideas, but then he became interested.

He actually listened to these questioning thoughts word by word, and then patiently and carefully answered them in detail in the following pages!
This was difficult at first because the angles of these questions were very tricky and he had no idea where to start.

But this is a brand new topic for him, an opportunity to think more deeply and profoundly about this classic.

He found that far-fetched answers were completely useless, and only the truths that he fully accepted after hard work and careful research could put the book to rest.

In this way, before we knew it, it was late at night.

Another day of being completely immersed in books.

Yiyi crawled out from his sleeve, looked at her master who was studying seriously, sighed humanely, then rolled up an oil lamp with her tail, and then blew out a small fire from her mouth to light the lamp.

The county government office became much brighter.

At this time, Wu Zhong came over with a bowl of noodles.

Yiyi jumped over and said in a crisp voice, "The master is busy, don't disturb him."

Wu Zhong was surprised for a moment, looked at the little thing in front of him and said, "You spoke too?"

Well, it’s not surprising that many of the small animals around him can talk. In fact, he is quite looking forward to the day when Dahei can also talk.

"The young master didn't eat dinner, I want to cook some noodles for him..."

"Alas, it seems that it is not necessary."

Yiyi nodded obediently and ladylikely. She said, "Just prepare more breakfast for the master. He will definitely wake up in the morning."

Wu Zhong asked in surprise, "Are you so sure? Young Master has also been able to meditate for three days and three nights before."

Yiyi said, "This time the questions are a bit difficult. Didn't you see that the master was frowning the whole time?"

"This kind of thing consumes energy. He will wake up when he is tired."

Wu Zhong nodded and said, "That makes sense... I didn't expect you to be the one the young master cares about the most."

Yiyi turned her head away proudly and ignored Wu Zhong, then jumped onto the desk in front of Zhao Yifu, lying quietly on the desk, staring at him with her bright eyes.

As Yiyi expected, Zhao Yifu woke up at dawn when he was stimulated by the appearance of the first ray of yang energy.

He rubbed his brows and felt irritated. This 'Taixu Forbidden Book' was really difficult to deal with.

He closed the book. He had written a lot of manuscripts that night, but the only line of the Analects that he had actually re-annotated was the first line: When three people walk together, there must be one who can be my teacher.

This made Zhao Yifu realize that it would be extremely difficult to complete all the annotations under the interference of such evil thoughts.

But he felt that it was nothing. After all, what was sealed here was the yang body and evil thoughts of Emperor Dongyue. If it could be easily solved... why would he still be wandering around in the mortal world!
At this time, Wu Zhong came over with a large bowl of noodles and said, "Master, you have worked hard. Have some noodles."

Zhao Yifu touched his stomach and felt hungry.

He said, "Uncle Wu is so thoughtful. I'm hungry."

Wu Zhong was a little surprised, then he looked at Yi Yi who was sitting quietly at the desk and smiled knowingly.

This little thing doesn't seem to take any credit at all.

But it was precisely because of this that Wu Zhong felt relieved and believed that this little cat was really capable of taking on the responsibility.

Zhao Yifu wolfed down the noodles, then went to the yard to practice a set of "Crane Claw Grappling Technique" to stretch his body, and then continued to study the book.

This is a long-term project. If he only faces dry books and papers, he will soon feel bored. But now he is facing a book that seems to be able to argue with him, which makes him unable to stop.

After all, how can you lose an argument?
If I lose an argument, I will feel so upset that I won’t be able to sleep all night.

This will only make him repeatedly reflect in his mind on what he said wrongly, and then how to argue back next time!
This is Zhao Yifu's competitive spirit as a scholar.

It's just a tattered book, so what if it curses people? Don't even think about making him surrender!

(End of this chapter)