Mang Shusheng's Ink Painting Practice

Chapter 234 Peaceful years
The Northern Expedition is over, but the subsequent recuperation is not easy at all.

Fortunately, during the Northern Expedition, Zhao Yifu and the officials of the Moshan faction had laid a solid foundation in the local area.

A group of county magistrates who were not afraid of assassination, were invulnerable to swords and guns, and were very strong in fists and feet, put things in order in all places.

The ghosts produced by the world's Yin-deficiency state are also well controlled. When enough city gods, land gods, and especially these local gods have the help of sects, relatives and friends behind them, the world actually shows some signs of prosperity.

In any dynasty, there were always some mountain dwellers who fled war and taxation in the mountains, which actually constituted a large part of the population. However, due to the Que Yin situation, these mountain dwellers were forced to come out of the deep mountains and old forests and return to the rule of the Great Xu court.

But for the Great Xu court, this final battle actually brought good things.

That is, the commander of this battle, Zhou Su, died of illness after conquering Shengjing. Most of the credit for unifying the north was attributed to Zhou Su, and no one had any objection to his being honored posthumously.

Zhao Guhe was awarded the title of Duke and was raised with great care.

Zhao Guhe is already over fifty years old, and he suffered a lot of external injuries and bleeding in the last battle. It is just right for him to recuperate in the court and not have to go to the battlefield again.

Although the Zhao family lost a lot of members, the benefits brought by this successful investment were also huge.

At least Zhao Yunhe's Shenhe Villa has truly become the "No. 1 Villa in Jiangnan", and both the black and white worlds dare not offend it.

Zhao Xiangyu later married Yang Zaixuan, forming one of the world's top military families.

After they got married, the couple was stationed on the western frontier, where the situation was somewhat unstable.

Zhu Fei was in charge of the defense of the northern border. He inherited Zhao Yifu's philosophy of "active defense" and continuously sent small groups of troops to raid the northern border, making the northern barbarians restless and just hoping that this evil star would not cause them any trouble. How could they have the energy to continue to look south?

Wei Kang was also well accommodated, just as Zhao Yifu had previously suggested.

This person can be of great use but cannot be overly favored... But Ying Cong played a better trick, which was to let Wei Kang's son, the poor boy back then, enter the palace to study with him!
Just this one thing solved all possible psychological problems of Wei Kang, and he was completely won over by Ying Cong.

Almost everyone was well accommodated, but there was only one person who seemed to have been forgotten by the court.

That is Zhao Yifu.

As the de facto "front-line prime minister", Zhao Yifu can be said to be the key to the smooth transition of the current situation between the north and the south.

However, the court did not reward him... Not only did the emperor not mention it, but the high-ranking officials did not mention it either.

Of course, it’s not that his achievements have been forgotten, but there are some places where Zhao Yifu really needs to be in charge.

That is, a 'Street of the Dead' appeared in Lin'an City.

This street is fine during the day, as long as you don't go deep into the dark alleys.

But once it is dark or rainy, there will be many ghosts and it will be scary.

People walking down the street might suddenly encounter ghosts, and some might even find themselves surrounded by ghosts...

It is hard to believe that there is such a ghost street under the feet of the emperor.

Soon, all the people on this ghost street moved away, and no one was willing to get close to it except for some homeless vagrants.

This place also became a hidden danger for the Great Xu court.

Anyway, Qiu Yuzi handled the matter personally, but now it seems that his handling was ineffective.

So there was only one family living on this ghost street.

The owner's surname is Zhao, and he occupies the largest courtyard on the street, which is also the main street of "Soul Street".

At the end of the "Street of the Dead" is a small Taoist temple with only two beautiful Taoist nuns in it.

These two places blocked the Street of the Dead at one end and the other, which prevented the trouble in this area from escaping outside.

That’s right, this Street of the Dead is actually the place where the underworld and the world of the living truly intersect.

As for why it is here and appears after Da Xu unified the world?
I can only say that the location of this "Street of the Dead" is quite particular.

It is located not far from the back of the Imperial Palace.

There are many extremely yin places in the world, but when it comes to the true yang of humanity, where can it compare to the imperial palace?
But don't forget, the principle of this world has always been that positive pole gives birth to negative pole, so the location behind this palace is equivalent to the back of the dragon vein, which is where positive pole gives birth to negative pole.

The yin here is no different from any other, it is the ultimate yin of humanity.

Therefore, it not only breaks the boundary between yin and yang, but is also particularly likely to attract ghosts to stay here.

On this day, someone came to visit the Zhao Mansion.

Ying Cong took the old eunuch Hong and walked out of the back door of the palace. After taking two steps, they arrived at the Zhao Mansion.

Just as Ying Cong was about to knock on the door, he heard a cat on the wall meow and the door was opened from the inside.

And the ones who opened the door were actually two sturdy cats.

"Hey, my Xu Zhongzu is here, please come in."

When Old Lady Hong heard this, she shuddered. How could a living person be called by his temple name?
Isn't this a curse to death?
But Ying Cong laughed and said, "Without your help, I would never be able to become Xu Zhongzu."

"It's almost dinner time. What's Uncle Wu cooking today?"

Zhao Yifu was writing in the courtyard. He said unhappily, "Can't all these imperial chefs satisfy your appetite?"

Ying Cong shook his head and said, "It's different, it's really different. Anyway, the meat that Uncle Wu stir-fries is tender and delicious, and it's a real pleasure to eat."

At this time, Old Wu came out of the yard, saw Ying Cong and said, "You are a coarse man who can't handle fine bran!"

Ying Cong was not angry at all. He smiled and said, "That's right, I am used to Uncle Wu's cooking."

Wu Zhong also smiled. The old man had a very peaceful mentality. Although his hair had turned white recently, he still had a youthful look.

Apparently, he had also begun to practice Qigong to a high level.

Old Eunuch Hong has become numb to this and can accept any conversation that happens in this mansion.

Wu Zhong went to the kitchen with great speed, and soon the aroma of cooking rose from the kitchen.

At this time, Ying Cong asked again: "Why haven't the two hostesses come yet?"

Zhao Yifu said: "They know I'm writing something new recently, so they don't come over on weekdays."

Ying Cong said with emotion: "I still don't understand why you cultivators like me are so obsessed with each other. If it were me, I would have had several children by now."

Zhao Yifu said, "It's their own fault for not wanting to wear it. What can I do?"

Ying Cong said, "Don't say that in front of me. If you have the guts, say it in front of your two wives!"

Zhao Yifu immediately ducked his head and said, "I'm just telling you, let them do whatever they want, I can't control it anyway."

Good brothers, when we get together, we talk about women.

He didn't feel awkward or uncomfortable at all. He let the two of them do whatever they wanted. Anyway, he was concentrating on practicing Taoism and thinking about his own affairs.

Ying Cong said, "Well said. Let them do whatever they want. Just leave me alone while I study the steam engine."

The emperor gradually became less serious.

He is working on the steam engine.

It was only because he got a lot of inspiration after reading the many messy "science books" written by Zhao Yifu... Especially when he thought about the three ancient emperors, which one of them did not have some inventions that benefited future generations?
As for the pie that Zhao Yifu had once painted for him, now only the "Three Emperors plus one" remained unfulfilled.

He recovered the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, something that even the Taizu of Great Xu could not accomplish. If he died now, he would immediately become the Zhongzu.

But adding one to the Three Emperors is more troublesome. In addition to bringing benefits to Da Xu, some far-reaching things must be done.

Anyway, he is working very hard on it now.

Just as the two men were talking about how to get some peace and quiet, someone else came.

This time the cat opened the door directly, and two beautiful nuns walked in with cold faces.

Zhao Yifu said, "You guys are a little late today, but what happened?"

Zhou Qingzhao glanced at Ying Cong, who was watching the show with a look of anticipation, and a look of disgust was visible in his eyes... as if he was looking at Zhao Yifu's cronies.

Hui Gu said, "We did run into some trouble. A disobedient person came to the street and just now caused a commotion, making the street a mess."

Zhou Qingzhao added, "It's a ghost that doesn't look like it belongs in the Middle-earth. Perhaps it came from the Western Regions."

Zhao Yifu nodded and said, "There have been quite a lot of ghosts like this lately. I heard that the Yangling Sword Sect is under a lot of pressure, almost to the point where there are zombies everywhere."

"And those island nations in the East China Sea aren't peaceful either. It can only be described as 'a hundred demons parading at night.'"

Ying Cong couldn't help but ask, "We can't control the East China Sea for now, but as for the Western Regions... could we use the imperial court to send some support?"

"I'm worried that Zaixuan and Xiangyu will have difficulties."

Zhao Yifu said, "Don't worry, there are people from the Demon Subduing Sect helping us over there, so it should be safe."

"You should think carefully about moving the capital. Now that the world is at peace, Lin'an is a bit isolated and isolated."

Ying Cong shook his head and said, "I'm also unsure, so I wanted to come over and ask for your opinion."

"After all, the Northern Expedition has only been over for a few years. If we move the capital again, it will be a waste of money and manpower."

Zhao Yifu said, "However, the north has just been settled. Moving the capital back to Bianliang will also help to connect the north and the south."

Ying Cong said, "That's not a problem. Since your 'telegraph' network was laid out, all kinds of information can be delivered in a single day. This is actually sufficient for the court's rule."

"Some even suggested moving the capital to Shengjing to completely appease the people of the north."

"Isn't this just a joke? Shengjing is a big city, but its transportation and resources are still quite poor. Maintaining the court's finances will be very difficult. If things continue like this for a long time, I'm afraid the people will be exploited."

"If you ask me, the Ministry of Rites' 'Education Department' has done a great job, ensuring that all people have access to education, which is enough to stabilize the hearts of the people in the North."

"When the time is right, we will release some convenient policies to allow the people of the north to study and take the imperial examinations, and the people's hearts will naturally be settled."

Zhao Yifu praised him, saying, "Very well, now you really have the air of a sage and king." Ying Cong's expression froze for a moment, then he said, "How come I'm not happy at all when you praise me? Why don't you tell me about moving the capital? Should we move it?"

Zhao Yifu thought about it and said, "To be frank, you don't want to move the capital, right? You just need me to give you a reason to stay."

Ying Cong nodded and said, "That's right, I just need a reason that can convince everyone."

Zhao Yifu laughed and said, "Isn't this simple?"

"Compared to the desolate north, the south has been recuperating under the rule of the Great Xu over the years, without experiencing any wars. It can actually be said to be extremely prosperous. Yet, such a prosperous place still has many corrupt officials. If the imperial court were here, they might be able to take them into consideration. But if the emperor is far away, who knows what kind of powerful gentry this prosperous place will breed."

Ying Cong nodded repeatedly after hearing this and said, "Yes, that's true. But this is my royal concern, and I can't share it with anyone."

Zhao Yifu smiled and said, "You still need a legitimate reason, right?"

"Okay, then let's talk about the future expansion of Daxu."

"The territory of Daxu has actually reached its limit at present."

"Although during the Han and Tang dynasties, the Western Regions were even under actual control, to regain control of that region, all it took was a general to go out and take a tour."

"The enemies on the northern grasslands are certainly formidable, but to be honest, beyond the grasslands lies a bitterly cold land. For us, occupying it right now won't do us any good."

"It would be better to vigorously develop seafaring vessels. The imperial court already profits greatly from maritime trade, so why not continue to develop maritime trade while expanding maritime territory? Lin'an's location is very suitable for managing ships and trade, and it is also easier to control information at sea."

Ying Cong nodded repeatedly after hearing this. Just think about how much income Da Xu can get from maritime trade in a year and you will know that going to sea and expanding maritime territory is definitely a very profitable thing.

He said, "Now I understand what to do... As expected, profit comes first. With profit, people will naturally fight for me."

Zhao Yifu felt more and more that he was a truly capable and wise ruler. He said, "Keep going! When you make 'rich and powerful throughout the world' a reality, you'll at least be one of the Five Emperors plus one."

Ying Cong laughed. He liked the way Zhao Yifu described the future to him.

But then he frowned again: "It's just that I may not have the lifespan to complete this task... Little Taoist priest, how long do you think I can live?"

Everyone had just started eating and they were chatting while eating.

After these words were spoken, Zhou Qingzhao and Huigu both frowned and put down their chopsticks, because they knew that this question was difficult to answer.

Zhao Yifu replied without hesitation, "If you follow the regimen I taught you, you'll live to be eighty or ninety... But I heard you've taken a new concubine recently?"

Ying Cong's expression froze as he said, "If everything goes as you say, then what's the point of living?"

Zhao Yifu said, "Then... let's say fifty."

Ying Cong asked in surprise, "Why fifty? Doesn't that mean I only have twenty years to live?"

Zhao Yifu said, "If you keep playing like this, you'll be exhausted in fifty years. Didn't you say, 'What's the point of living like that?'"

Ying Cong suddenly realized it, then pointed at Zhao Yifu with a look of confusion, and hit him twice on the arm, saying, "You guy, can't you just look forward to me?"

Zhao Yifu said, "That's not bad. By the time he's fifty, your crown prince will be in his twenties, right? Do you really want your son to be crown prince for forty years? That would be too much torture."

Ying Cong suddenly realized, "That makes sense. Perhaps abdicating at fifty is the best outcome."

He said, "That way I can concentrate on my invention, and I can also give that guy some pointers on any areas where he's not doing well..."

He looked away.

Zhao Yifu added, "When you get tired of living, come find me and I'll personally take you to Dixiang Street in the underworld."

Ying Cong said, "Dixiang Street... I wonder if the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors are there?"

Zhao Yifu shook his head and said, "The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, receiving incense from future generations, have all ascended to the Fire Cloud Cave to cultivate in seclusion."

Ying Cong asked enviously, "Do I have a chance then?"

Zhao Yifu said: "Yes, as long as the incense continues to be worshipped by future generations, everything will be easy to discuss."

Ying Cong began to daydream...

To be honest, this conversation between them was definitely beyond the scope of what Eunuch Hong could do. If their conversation were to be spread out, it would even be considered as treasonous.

But Old Eunuch Hong was particularly able to see the situation clearly. He remained silent, only asking quietly when Ying Cong had calmed down and no one else had spoken, "Master Zhao, I wonder if there will be any chance for me to continue serving Your Majesty after I die?"

Zhao Yifu said, "You want to continue serving others even after you die?"

Old Eunuch Hong immediately said, "I will follow you till death!"

This old guy knows how to show his loyalty.

Zhao Yifu smiled and shook his head, saying, "You have no chance. However, if Ying Cong achieves a high enough level, as someone who has accompanied him throughout his life, you have contributed a lot, but as long as you do good deeds in life, you will naturally be able to be born into a good family after your death."

"It's unknown whether I'll become a king, a prince, a general or a minister in my next life."

Old Eunuch Hong's eyes flushed as he said, "I don't want to be a prince or a general. I just want to continue to follow the emperor..."

Ying Cong was moved and said, "Alright, old man, I know you are loyal. But you should stop pretending here. It's normal to be happy knowing that you can have a good result."

Old Eunuch Hong was immediately frightened and became timid and dared not say anything more.

Zhao Yifu and Ying Cong both laughed when they saw this.

Then they had a lively and unrestrained conversation. There was no romance, only the general situation of the world, the territory of Daxu, and whether Daxu would eventually end like the previous dynasties...

Ying Cong said, "However, for the sake of my descendants, I will leave a will. If the time comes for the Great Xu to grow old and die, I will hand over the throne to the right person."

"This will also save some lives, which is good."

Zhao Yifu said, "I'm afraid that by then, your wish may not be fulfilled."

Ying Cong said cheerfully, "Then I don't care about that much. The world's affairs will be decided by the people of the world. Didn't you ask me to teach knowledge and thinking methods to the people of the world? Then let them in the future generations take responsibility for it!"

He spoke in a grand manner, then spread out a topographic map of mountains and rivers that Zhao Yifu had drawn earlier, and began to discuss with Zhao Yifu over a drink where to build water conservancy projects and where to dig mountain roads...

With so many layers, the world seems to have become a simple topographic map in front of them, being transformed by them into the appearance they want.

At this moment, the two women next to him were stunned.

If it were an ordinary person chatting and talking nonsense, the women would only be impatient and sneer at him, and few would be willing to pay attention to him.

But these two men are different. What they talk about can become reality one day!

That's different. It immediately shifts their perspective from the people in front of them to the mountains and rivers of the world.

The two chatted late into the night.

Old Eunuch Hong interrupted with a dry cough, "Your Majesty, it's not that I'm being nosy, it's simply that it's getting late now. If Your Majesty doesn't return to the palace, I'm afraid there will be gossip..."

Ying Cong sighed helplessly, "Well, it's time to go back to the palace... It's a pity that I haven't had enough fun yet."

Eunuch Hong smiled flatteringly and said, "The Immortal Master is right here. Can't the Emperor come anytime?"

Zhao Yifu suddenly noticed Huigu's strange expression and said abruptly, "Not necessarily. Maybe I'll be gone someday."

Ying Cong asked nervously, "Are you going to abandon me?"

Zhao Yifu was at a loss for words and said, "Don't worry, as long as this Street of the Dead is still here, I won't leave for the time being."

Ying Cong breathed a sigh of relief and said, "You said you would take me to Dixiang Street, you can't break your promise."

Only after Zhao Yifu made repeated promises did Ying Cong reluctantly leave.

When the door closed, Hui Gu suddenly said teasingly, "Really? It seems like the person going through the emotional tribulation with you is Ying Congcai."

Zhao Yifu spat and said, "Don't say that. It's creepy."

"It's getting late. Aren't you going back to the temple? Don't let it get taken over by some filthy creature tomorrow."

Hui Gu waved her hand nonchalantly and said, "I don't want to go back anyway. I'll practice here with you from now on."

Zhao Yifu was silent for a moment, then asked, "You, escaped the robbery?"

Hui Gu said, "I'm not sure yet, but I don't care that much anymore."

"Qing Zhao, what about you? Will you stay with me?"

Zhou Qingzhao hesitated for a moment after hearing this, then sighed and said, "I don't know. I just suddenly want to travel around and see the world. I don't want to stay in one place anymore."

Hui Gu said, "Then let's go. This is also a kind of practice."

Zhao Yifu also agreed, "Uncle Wu, please help prepare some extra money for Qingzhao's journey."

Seeing that he was so hesitant to speak, Zhou Qingzhao finally sighed and said nothing.

She had long since given up hope.

At this moment, Zhao Yifu suddenly took out a jade pendant and handed it to Zhou Qingzhao, saying, "Here, if you see anything interesting on the road, come find me with this jade and we'll come over to see it together."

After a pause, he continued, "No matter when or where, as long as you call my name, I will be by your side."

As soon as these words came out, Zhou Qingzhao trembled all over.

Only then did she realize how powerful Zhao Yifu was now.

In fact, in this world, no matter where she goes, he can always appear by her side.

...The next day, Zhou Qingzhao left, as if he was going on a trip on a whim.

Zhao Yifu still lived his life as usual, but his yang spirit would leave his body from time to time to see where the girl had gone.

Huigu stayed in the Zhao Mansion all the time. She never said anything about what she wanted to do with Zhao Yifu, but she participated in taking care of everything like the mistress of the Zhao Mansion.

Sometimes Zhao Yifu even felt a little dazed. Could it be that he really had such a wife?
The days passed peacefully, and this was perhaps the most peaceful time Zhao Yifu had experienced since leaving Moshan.

(End of this chapter)