I play the role of Jiajing in Zongwu: What crime have I committed?

This is precisely why Xiaomeng herself has always despised Confucius.

But Ye Qingmei was different. After failing to persuade the monarchs of various countries, she chose the Qing Kingdom as her "experimental field".

Back then, the young Prince Cheng, who later became Emperor Qing, displayed his intelligence, forbearance, and ambition.

Ye Qingmei also believed that he was a collaborator in realizing ideals, capable of breaking the monopoly of the old aristocracy and promoting reforms.

Therefore, she chose to assist Emperor Qing, who was then a marginal figure in the royal family.

But history ultimately proved that Ye Qingmei failed.

Emperor Qing ascended the throne, but she inexplicably died in childbirth.

Did Emperor Qing have any involvement in this?

unknown.

But Xiaomeng felt that Zhu Houcong's words made some sense.

Emperor Qing may never escape the shadow of Ye Qingmei, and he will eventually fail in this internal strife.

She took a deep breath, her gaze towards Zhu Houcong becoming even more complex.

"Then, Your Majesty, how do you compare to Emperor Qin and Emperor Qing?"

Zhu Houcong's lips curled up; he really wanted to say something.

Sorry, I'm a wallhack.

But he was afraid that if he said it, Xiaomeng would think he was an idiot.

So he confidently declared, "I am different from them."

"From prince to emperor, I have been in this position for many years."

"Basically, I get things done one by one. If I don't want to do something, no one else can."

Is there anyone in the court who opposes me?

"Yes, but very rarely, unless he doesn't want his official position."

"Leaving aside the distant past, just looking at the last ten years, there has been no war on the borders of Daliang, the people live in peace, and the hearts of the people are with them."

"This is the essence of harmony between people."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Houcong turned around abruptly, his dragon robe and wide sleeves drawing a sharp arc in the air.

His gaze was like lightning, fixed directly on Xiaomeng's eyes.

A suffocating imperial aura suddenly erupted from his body.

"Favorable timing, advantageous location, and harmonious relationships—possessing two of these three elements is enough!"

"I only need to destroy Southern Chu and secure the rear; then I can launch a surprise attack to take Daxi to the west and connect the south into one."

"At that time, we will build high walls and store up plenty of grain, then we can sit back and watch the world's affairs change, waiting for the opportune moment."

Xiaomeng was so intimidated by his domineering aura that she unconsciously took a half step back.

This emperor, who had seemed so ordinary just moments before, now displayed a sharp edge that even made her Dao heart tremble.

The aloof arrogance he displayed when entering the hall had completely vanished.

She couldn't help but murmur, "To know people and things so well, he's truly a genius!"

Zhu Houcong smiled slightly and sighed.

"I dare not be ignorant of matters concerning my family, the state, and the world!"

[Recite Emperor Jiajing's quotes reasonably, play Emperor Jiajing +1, reward: Martial Arts Golden Elixir]

Chapter 62 Nobody knows more about health preservation than me

Xiaomeng, as expected of the head of the Heavenly Sect, was intimidated by Zhu Houcong's imperial tactics, but recovered in an instant.

With a flick of her wide sleeves, she exuded a pure aura that easily erased any trace of Zhu Houcong's influence from before.

When their eyes met, Zhu Houcong's eyes held an aura of dominance that seemed to encompass mountains and rivers, while Xiaomeng's eyes held a clarity that seemed to see through the secrets of heaven.

The candlelight inside the hall flickered eerily still at that moment, and even the air seemed to freeze.

"His Majesty's grand ambitions to conquer the world are nothing like those of someone who advocates inaction."

Zhu Houcong burst into laughter upon hearing this: "This is what they call striving without striving, and not striving being striving!"

"Chapter 22 of the Tao Te Ching says, 'He who does not contend, none in the world can contend with him,' which is exactly the meaning of this."

Xiaomeng's eyes flashed with surprise upon hearing this.

She never expected that he would actually have such a profound understanding of Taoist classics.

The quotations from the Tao Te Ching that came out so readily were not something that could be achieved through last-minute cramming.

After a long silence, she finally made up her mind.

"Indeed, Taoism governs all things through the Way of Heaven, achieving everything through non-action."

"In that case, from this day forward, the Heavenly Sect shall devote itself entirely to assisting His Majesty."

Zhu Houcong was delighted upon hearing this: "Excellent! We can each get what we need and play this game of chess together."

Xiaomeng nodded slightly, her eyes, like autumn water, scrutinizing Zhu Houcong.

He couldn't help but advise, "However, Your Majesty should take good care of your health. With your current condition, I'm afraid you won't be able to hold on until the day you achieve your goal of conquering the world."

Zhu Houcong was taken aback upon hearing this, then waved his hand dismissively and said confidently, "Master Xiaomeng is overthinking it. In this world, no one understands health preservation better than I do."

What in this world is more nourishing than the Yellow Emperor's Inner Elixir?

"Oh?"

She rarely showed curiosity.

"Your Majesty is so certain; what ingenious method is behind this?"

"Our Heavenly Sect also has considerable experience in the art of health preservation. I wonder if you could share it with me so that I can also study it."

Uh!

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houcong couldn't help but shift his gaze from Xiaomeng's face to the headlights.

He then politely declined Xiaomeng's suggestion with righteous indignation.

"Thank you, but I won't eat it."

After saying that, he felt it was a bit inappropriate, so he added, "Master Xiaomeng is new here and doesn't know me very well yet. I will definitely let you see me when the opportunity arises."

"Fine."

Xiaomeng smiled slightly, unconcerned about Zhu Houcong's wariness.

It was quite normal for Emperor Liang to be wary of his newcomer.

But as long as Tianzong demonstrates sufficient value, this wariness will naturally dissipate.

Now is the time to demonstrate its value.

Xiaomeng waved her whisk solemnly, saying, "Your Majesty, I am new here and have come to offer you a small gift."

"Oh?"

"I've heard that there's a mountain called Sanqing Mountain in Raozhou, a place of exceptional beauty and spiritual energy, seemingly in harmony with the laws of nature."

"I intend to establish the ancestral temple of the Heavenly Sect here."

"What do you think, Your Majesty?"

Sanqingshan Mountain in Raozhou?

A glint flashed in Zhu Houcong's eyes, and he instantly understood what Xiaomeng meant by "small gift".

Raozhou is located in the heart of Jiangzuo, and Sanqing Mountain echoes Langya Mountain from afar.

If the Heavenly Sect were to establish its sect here, it would be like a sharp sword piercing the heart and soul of the Jiangzuo Alliance.

With the abilities of the Taoist Heavenly Sect, they might be able to shake the Jiangzuo Alliance, the Jianghu overlord that has dominated Jiangzuo for many years.

indeed!

Mei Changsu's Jiangzuo Alliance, known as the "number one gang in the martial arts world," has managed the fourteen prefectures as if they were an ironclad fortress.

It has always been a major concern for Zhu Houcong.

If troops were sent to encircle and suppress them, not to mention whether the large army could gain an advantage over Mei Changsu's strategy, those unruly men with martial arts skills alone would be troublesome enough.

These people are like leeches.

Once the army arrives, they can easily slip away and make a hasty retreat.

Not only will it be a waste of manpower and resources, but it may not even be effective.

Therefore, using江湖人 (jianghu people) to deal with江湖人 is the best choice.

This explains why Ying Zheng asked the Quicksand, the Yin-Yang School, and others to deal with the Mohists.

He was unwilling to deploy his battle-hardened armored soldiers unless absolutely necessary.

After all, the movement of a large army not only consumes money, food and supplies, but if not handled properly, it may even shake the foundation of the country.

"good,"

Thinking about this, Zhu Houcong became even more satisfied with Xiaomeng.

He waved his dragon-embroidered sleeve and pointed to the rosewood armchair in the hall, saying, "Master, let's sit down and talk."

Xiaomeng did not refuse, and gracefully took her seat with a light flick of her wide sleeves.

Zhu Houcong leaned against the gilded soft couch, his fingertips lightly tapping the table.

Cao Zhengchun, who was outside the hall, quickly served Xiaomeng some fragrant tea.

As the tea smoke curled upwards, Zhu Houcong couldn't help but sigh, "As expected of the leader of the Heavenly Sect, he has only just entered the Great Liang Dynasty and already understands the worries in my heart."

Xiaomeng took a sip of tea, her expression remaining completely unchanged.

"Since we're coming to Daliang, we naturally need to understand the bigger picture of Daliang."

"Looking at the entire Great Liang, the one who is causing His Majesty the most sleepless nights right now is probably Mei Changsu, the leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance."

Even the strategists who practiced the art of slaying dragons only dared to say, "When Guiguzi appears, the feudal lords tremble; when Guiguzi is at peace, the world is at ease."

"And this genius, Qilin, dares to boast that 'whoever obtains him will obtain the world.' Such arrogance, if not foolishness, must be a calculated move to stir up trouble."

"And I suspect that, most likely, they're targeting His Majesty!"

"Targeting me?"

"That's right!"

"Hi~"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houcong gasped, his index finger digging into the dragon-patterned table as he gritted his teeth and exclaimed, "Oh dear! This person is wicked!"

"He is utterly wicked and deserves to die!"

Xiaomeng's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing this, and she looked at Zhu Houcong with suspicion.

"But I've heard that Mei Changsu is now Prince Yu's advisor. Since he's in the capital, why doesn't His Majesty send someone to eliminate him?"

"this…"

Zhu Houcong's expression froze.

I've been dreaming of killing him, but this damned Heaven won't allow it!

Xiaomeng saw that Zhu Houcong seemed to want to say something but hesitated, and nodded knowingly.

"Since His Majesty does not intend to eliminate him, then I will not presume to do so."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houcong nearly fainted.

No, it's your own fault for being so clever!

Why the hell don't you go and deal with him?!