You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

Good books are never stopped being updated, waiting for you to appreciate them.

Hong Qigong could hardly believe his ears.

Immediately, a smile bloomed on his oily face, and even his gray beard jiggled with joy.

His three greatest loves in life were nothing more than good food, fine wine, and chivalry.

Now that the emperor has spoken, it's as if he's granted him a lifetime free pass to the world's top restaurants.

This temptation is far greater than any gold, silver, treasures, or divine weapons!

As for the internal energy cultivation method and the requirement to gather information?

Compared to this, it's simply insignificant!

"Oh dear! Your Majesty! You really are... really like this!"

Hong Qigong was overjoyed, and unusually, he restrained his playful demeanor, bowing respectfully to Lu Zuo: "This old beggar thanks Your Majesty for your generosity!"

"This old beggar will remember this kindness!"

His solemn expression of gratitude left Wang Bing and the imperial guards standing nearby speechless once again.

Hong Qigong, the Northern Beggar, is eccentric, both righteous and wicked, and despises imperial power. When has he ever been so polite to anyone?

After performing the formalities, Hong Qigong didn't linger. He reached into his robes, rummaged around for a bit, and pulled out a small booklet.

"Your Majesty, this is the method for building a foundation and cultivating one's vital energy, called 'Free and Easy Wandering'."

"The name sounds intimidating, but it's actually a foundational Taoist practice. It's balanced and peaceful, the safest approach, and you're less likely to get your breath mixed up during practice."

"In addition to the breathing and circulation techniques, it also includes a set of footwork and palm techniques, emphasizing free and natural movement of the body."

"Perfect for Your Majesty..."

"Ahem, I'm just starting out with internal martial arts."

Hong Qigong swallowed back the words "has no foundation" that were on the tip of his tongue, and used a more euphemistic way of saying it.

Lu Zuo reached out and took it, glancing at it briefly. The first page contained a few lines of ancient handwriting and a simple human-shaped meridian diagram. The formulas were exquisite, and the combination of text and illustrations was remarkable, definitely not something you'd find anywhere else.

A thought suddenly struck him. This old beggar hadn't been fooled after all.

"I've given you the cultivation technique. As for the message, Old Beggar will pass it on later."

Hong Qigong chuckled and gave Lu Zuo a perfunctory bow.

Immediately, the obese figure disappeared swiftly among the palace walls and halls with an agility disproportionate to its size.

Lu Zuo stared intently in the direction where Hong Qigong had disappeared.

While gathering intelligence on the Jin army was important, this was merely a transaction on the surface.

The deeper intention was to use this opportunity to establish a connection with the Beggars' Sect, the number one gang in the world.

The Beggars' Sect has members from all walks of life, and its information network is ubiquitous. It is not impossible for them to develop into an intelligence network for their own use.

This might be more effective than simply relying on the court's potentially inefficient or even infiltrated spy system.

Of course, all of this is predicated on having sufficient strength and resources.

And this "Free and Easy Wandering" technique is the first step in enhancing one's own strength.

"Everyone, step back."

Lu Zuo waved his hand, dismissing the Imperial Guards soldiers who were still in a state of shock and confusion.

Wang Bing opened his mouth, as if he wanted to ask His Majesty how he had mastered those three skills to such a high level in just a few days.

But he didn't dare to ask directly. After hesitating for a moment, he led his men away respectfully.

.....

Lu Zuo turned around and returned to the hall. He dismissed his attendants and sat alone at the table, opening the book "Free and Easy Wandering".

The calligraphy on the silk scroll is fluid and graceful, conveying a sense of freedom and ease. The opening doesn't directly present methods for internal energy cultivation, but rather a general outline:

"In the Northern Ocean there is a fish, its name is Kun. It transforms into a bird, its name is Peng."

When the Peng bird migrates to the Southern Ocean, it stirs up the water for three thousand miles, and rises ninety thousand miles on a whirlwind...

This bird, when the sea is at sea, will migrate to the Southern Ocean. The Southern Ocean is the Heavenly Pool.

This is clearly using the imagery of Zhuangzi's "Free and Easy Wandering" to explain the ultimate principles of martial arts.

It emphasizes the harmony between mind and spirit and heaven and earth, with breath as vast and boundless as the waters of the Northern Sea, circulating throughout the body like the transformations of a Kunpeng, moving and still at will.

In terms of internal energy cultivation, the emphasis is on "accumulating strength like a Kun diving into the deep abyss, and releasing strength like a Peng soaring through the nine heavens," focusing on the solid and enduring foundation and the agile and swift burst of power.

The accompanying palm technique is called "Soaring High," and its palm strikes are expansive and full of variations.

The body technique is called "riding the wind," characterized by light and unpredictable footwork, skillful use of momentum to deflect force, and effortless maneuvering.

Lu Zuo closed the booklet, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

This technique is moderate and peaceful, with a lofty artistic conception. Although it is only a foundation-building method, it lays a solid foundation and will make it easier to cultivate other advanced internal skills in the future. It is just right for his current state of "starting over".

Now that we have the techniques, the next step is to practice.

Who to look for?

It seems that it can only be Su Wan, after all, she is the only one who has learned some martial arts.

Lu Zuo spoke in a deep voice: "Someone come here."

"Put your carriage on the Moon-Viewing Pavilion."

Lanyue Pavilion was the palace where Su Wan lived.

……

The next morning, at Lanyue Pavilion.

[Missed the morning court session; cultivation level +63.]

[Enchanted by beautiful women, cultivation level +103.]

[Excessive indulgence in lust, bonus reward: Cultivation +53.]

"Ever since I transmigrated to this world, all I've been given is cultivation..."

"Besides, isn't this quantity far too small?"

"Never mind, there's not much need for this kind of carefree wandering anyway."

With this in mind, Lu Zuo opened the character panel and took a look.

Name: Lu Zuo.

Age: 25.

Identity: Imposter Emperor.

Constitution: +100.

Lifespan: +2633.

Poison Path: Additional +3953.

Blade Path: Additional +5585.

Kendo: +6567.

Charm: +5530.

Luck: +3121.

Music, chess, calligraphy, and painting: +51600.

Cultivation level: Beginner in martial arts.

Kung Fu Techniques: Raging Bull Strength, Formation-Breaking Spear, Horse-Slaying Saber, Free and Easy Wandering (219/800.)

Talent 1: Tyrannical and incompetent ruler.

Talent 2: Travel incognito.

Talent 3: Rebellion.

Space: 10 cubic meters.

"To achieve perfection with only 800 points, no wonder it's a low-level martial arts world..."

"Even experts of the Five Greats level can only handle a few hundred people."

Lu Zuo estimated that if a master of the Three Realms in the Great Tang world were to do so, they could single-handedly destroy a country in this world!

"Um……"

A soft, seductive moan interrupted Lu Zuo's thoughts.

He turned his head and saw that Su Wan beside him had slowly woken up.

Her hair was disheveled and spread out on the mandarin duck pillow, with a few strands of black hair stuck to her smooth forehead and her still flushed cheeks by fine sweat.

Her peach blossom eyes were half-open and half-closed, misty with moisture, her long eyelashes trembled slightly, her red lips were slightly parted, and her breath was fragrant. Her whole person exuded a kind of charming and languid beauty that came from being thoroughly pampered.

She seemed to try to sit up, but due to her sore and weak body, she slumped back down, letting out a soft moan, her brows showing obvious exhaustion.

This image of a crabapple tree asleep in spring, so pitiful and endearing, is enough to make any normal man's heart flutter.

Lu Zuo's eyes darkened slightly, and the flame in his heart that he had to ignite in order to gain cultivation seemed to be stirred again by this vivid and fragrant scene.

Although the main purpose was to earn cultivation points, he was not entirely unmoved by Su Wan's stunning beauty.

He reached out and, with an undeniable force, pressed Su Wan, who had just tried to get up, back down onto the soft brocade quilt.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty?"

Su Wan was not fully awake yet; her hazy eyes held confusion and a hint of unconscious shyness. Her voice was hoarse and sweet, "It's... getting late, isn't it? You should..."

……

More than an hour later.

Lu Zuo stood up refreshed, and a palace maid who had been standing by bowed her head and stepped forward to help him change his clothes.

He moved with ease, as if he had just done a moderate morning exercise, and there was no sign of fatigue on his face.

On the large dragon bed, Su Wan was too lazy to even move a finger. She felt as if her bones had been disassembled and then barely put back together. Every inch of her skin was telling of excessive fatigue and soreness.

She turned her head slightly, glancing at Lu Zuo's tall and straight back, a question forming in her mind.

"Your Majesty... what's wrong with Your Majesty lately?"

"In the past... I've never been so... insatiable as I have these past few days!"

Although being favored by the emperor was an honor and a guarantee that women in the harem could not obtain, Su Wan herself was happy to use this to consolidate her position, and even became somewhat obsessed with Lu Zuo's favor.

But everything in excess is harmful, and the intense "favor" she had been receiving for several days in a row was already taking its toll on her.

"If this continues..."

Su Wan moved her aching waist with difficulty, her delicate brows furrowed.

"I need to think of a way... to find someone to help me share the burden."

A glint flashed in her beautiful eyes as she began to quickly filter through the list of young, beautiful concubines or palace maids in the harem, who might also possess some "special talents."

"And to avoid His Majesty... always focusing on me and causing trouble."

She sighed softly, a bittersweet feeling washing over her, and closed her eyes again.

It seems it's time to mentor one or two of my good friends.

Give your back a little rest.

……

Although Yingtian Prefecture was a new capital and a wartime city, it still retained the rich heritage of the Jiangnan region. In addition, the southward relocation of the imperial court brought a large influx of people and wealth, so the streets were quite prosperous.

Shops lined both sides of the street, wine flags fluttered, and the shouts of vendors filled the air.

People were coming and going from silk shops, restaurants, teahouses, antique shops, and even shops specializing in exotic northern crafts.

On the street, there were wealthy merchants dressed in fine silks and satins, scholars in blue robes and square scarves, hurried errand runners, and peddlers carrying loads and hawking their wares.

Along with many people with panicked expressions, who seemed to have fled from the north to the south, the crowds jostled shoulder to shoulder, creating a noisy and complex scene of everyday life.

The air was filled with the aromas of food, sweat, and cosmetics, as well as the fishy smell of water wafting from the nearby canal.

Lu Zuo changed into a low-key casual outfit, with a jade belt around his waist and a square scarf on his head, disguising himself as a young master from an ordinary wealthy family.

Behind him were four guards who had also changed into civilian clothes. They seemed to be scattered casually, but in reality, their eyes were sharp, subtly protecting Lu Zuo in the center, and vigilantly observing their surroundings.

These men were all top-notch fighters selected from among the Imperial Guards. Although they lacked internal strength, their external martial arts skills were solid, and a dozen or so ordinary men could not get close to them.

The stated reason for his incognito trip out of the palace was to "observe the people's conditions," but the real purpose was to trigger his second talent.

Just as he passed a street corner selling stationery, Lu Zuo's steps faltered almost imperceptibly when a familiar figure appeared in the crowd ahead.

The man was also dressed casually, in a finely crafted dark blue scholar's robe. He had a fair complexion and a gentle demeanor. He was accompanied by two attendants, seemingly strolling around, or perhaps observing something.

Qin Hui?

Qin Hui also saw Lu Zuo at almost the same time.

Qin Hui?

Qin Hui also saw Lu Zuo at almost the same time.

He was taken aback, his pupils suddenly contracting, clearly not expecting to encounter the emperor here.

But he reacted extremely quickly, his face instantly displaying just the right amount of surprise and respect. He hurriedly took a few steps forward, came before Lu Zuo, and bowed deeply:

"What a coincidence to run into Young Master Zhao here."

"Young master, you seem to be in a fine mood today."

Lu Zuo's expression remained calm, but a chill ran through his heart.

What is this old fox doing, running around the streets instead of sitting in the Secretariat?

He nodded slightly: "Mr. Qin is here too? What a coincidence."

Qin Hui maintained a respectful demeanor, his mind racing.

Why did His Majesty suddenly leave the palace incognito?

Was he just strolling around, or did he have some other purpose?

Is it a blessing or a curse to have stumbled upon this at this moment?

His smile remained unchanged, and he was about to say something more, to try and get closer to her or to test the waters.

Just then, a clear but angry female voice suddenly rang out from the entrance of a shop selling calligraphy and paintings and also dealing in ancient books not far ahead: "Zhang Ruzhou!"

"Don't you dare bother me again!"

"I've said it before, we have nothing to do with each other anymore!"

"Don't make a fool of yourself here and disturb my peace!"

The voice, like pearls falling on a jade plate, though containing anger, was still clear and melodious, immediately attracting the attention of many people around.

Lu Zuo looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman standing in front of the bookstore.

This woman was about twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old. She had a slender figure, skin as white as snow, and an exceptionally beautiful face. There was a refined and elegant air about her between her brows.

At this moment, her face was frosty as she glared angrily at a middle-aged man dressed in silk robes, dressed as a scholar, but with a fawning smile plastered on his face.

The man, far from being annoyed, stepped forward, rubbing his hands together, his voice carrying an uncomfortably intimate tone: "Qingzhao, Qingzhao, please let me explain..."

"I was blinded by greed and did something wrong."

"Now I know I was wrong, you see..."

"shut up!"

The woman, referred to as "Qingzhao," trembled with anger and interrupted him, "Even if I, Li Qingzhao, were blind, I would never believe a single word you say again!"

"If you don't leave, I'll call the neighborhood official!"

Li Qingzhao!

Lu Zuo's heart suddenly stirred.

The greatest female genius of all time!

Yi'an Jushi!

Unexpectedly, she was in Yingtian Prefecture at this moment...

As he gazed intently, Qin Hui, standing beside him, caught a glimpse of Lu Zuo's fleeting change in expression.

Qin Hui was an extremely shrewd man. When he saw the emperor's gaze fall on Li Qingzhao, his mind immediately began to work up.

Li Qingzhao?

This woman was exceptionally talented; her poetry was once renowned throughout the capital. Unfortunately, her life was fraught with misfortune.

Now all alone, he wanders to Yingtian, making a living by selling ancient books and copying paintings and calligraphy for others, truly destitute and helpless...

Having lived in the deep palace for so long, His Majesty has seen mostly delicate and graceful women. It is not surprising that he was moved by this talented woman who is aloof, proud, and exceptionally talented, yet whose life is filled with hardship.

An idea quickly took shape in Qin Hui's mind: if he could find a way to introduce Li Qingzhao to His Majesty.

No.

There's no need for a direct introduction; simply create opportunities for His Majesty to "naturally" approach this talented woman...

This would not only please His Majesty, but also allow him to further discern the Emperor's intentions, and perhaps even indirectly influence His Majesty by influencing Li Qingzhao?

There is great potential in this matter!

Li Qingzhao is now all alone and helpless. If she could be favored by a noble person, even if it is just a little help, she would probably find it hard to refuse.

As for Zhang Ruzhou, he's nothing but a sycophantic opportunist; there are plenty of ways to make him disappear.

Qin Hui's mind raced, and he whispered to Lu Zuo, "Young Master Zhao, the commotion ahead might disturb the peace."

"Why don't we move over there? There's a teahouse up ahead with a decent view..."

Lu Zuo withdrew his gaze, glanced at Qin Hui beside him whose eyes were darting around, seemingly plotting something, and sneered inwardly.

"No need."

"Mr. Qin, please make yourself at home. I'll just wander around."

Having said that, he ignored Qin Hui and, with his guards, turned and merged into the crowd.

His main purpose for leaving the palace today has not yet been achieved. He has no interest in playing along with Qin Hui, nor does he intend to contact Li Qingzhao immediately.

Qin Hui stood there, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect as he watched Lu Zuo leave. His smile remained, but his eyes grew increasingly deep.

He glanced at Li Qingzhao, who was still locked in a standoff with Zhang Ruzhou in front of the bookstore, and made a mental note of the matter, listing it as one of the things that needed to be "handled properly".

Lu Zuo wandered around several bustling streets in the city, but the expected second talent did not appear until the sun was setting.

Having no other choice, he quietly returned to the palace with his guards.

……

At dusk, in the west of the city, there is a quiet but slightly old courtyard.

Holding a scroll of old rubbings that she had just retrieved from the shop but hadn't sold, Li Qingzhao pushed open the half-closed courtyard gate with slightly heavy steps.

The setting sun cast her long, thin shadow on the clean yet desolate bluestone ground.

There is an old plum tree in the courtyard. It is not in bloom at this time. Its gnarled branches add to its solitary and aloof appearance.

A few tiled houses, clean window paper, and several strings of dried herbs hanging under the eaves are traces of the elegance and livelihood that she has tried her best to maintain as a scholar.

She turned around and gently closed the door, shutting out the hustle and bustle of the street and the nauseating entanglements of the day.

"This is too difficult..."

After the Jingkang Incident, Li Qingzhao was no longer the noblewoman she once was.

She lost much of her support and was no longer as glorious as before. Because of her talent and beauty, she was often harassed by nouveau riche and people like Zhang Ruzhou.

I once thought Zhang Ruzhou would be someone I could entrust and rely on.

did not expect……

She turned out to be a playboy; if I hadn't seen him frequenting brothels, I almost would have married him.

Knock knock knock.....

Just as Li Qingzhao was feeling troubled, a few clear and restrained knocks came from outside the door.

Li Qingzhao quickly composed herself.

She took a deep breath, straightened her slightly wrinkled dress and hair, and her face regained its usual coolness and composure before turning around and opening the courtyard gate.

Standing outside the door was Qin Hui, dressed in casual clothes, with a fair complexion and a slight smile on his lips.

Upon seeing that it was Li Qingzhao herself who opened the door, Qin Hui immediately put on a perfectly appropriate, polite smile, as if he were meeting an old friend, and cupped his hands, saying, "Ms. Yi'an, I apologize for disturbing you. I am very grateful."

A fleeting look of surprise crossed Li Qingzhao's eyes, which quickly turned to understanding.

She had no prior dealings with this high-ranking "nephew-in-law," so his sudden visit to this secluded courtyard today was no coincidence.

She stepped aside, her tone calm yet polite: "So it's Prime Minister Qin."

"My humble abode is simple and unassuming, yet you have graced me with your presence. What can I do for you?"

Qin Hui stepped in with a smile, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the elegant yet impoverished courtyard, and sighed, "It's been many years since we last met, and Ms. Yi'an has lost some weight."

"Are you currently residing in Yingtian? Is everything alright?"

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