My Lady Always Lacks Ambition

Chapter 1286 - 1208: Teaching You the Meaning of the Dao of the Mortal World

In the winter of the thirty-first year of Kangwu, just as Qin Liuxi predicted, it was an even colder winter than the previous year. The entire Da Feng seemed to be brushed by a cold wave, with many people and small creatures frozen to death. In the Far North, it was a thousand miles of ice, snow-capped mountains, the world wrapped in thick white gauze, silver and dazzling.

The snow disaster was severe, and continuous warfare broke out in the northwest and other borders. The national treasury was empty, supplies were scarce, and military pay could not be issued. To boost morale, Prince Rui dug into his own pockets to fill the void, while Da Feng’s wealthy Gongsun Cheng generously donated. As a result, not only did the northwest hold towns, but also recovered lost cities.

And Prince Rui had a share in this military achievement.

Good news arrived, and the Saint was overjoyed.

With the arrival of the New Year in the thirty-second year of Kangwu, the first task was to appoint the Crown Prince, to reassure the people and stabilize the country, as prominent officials cited the ill fortune of the vacant Eastern Palace.

After spitting blood once more, the Saint finally decreed that his third son, Prince Rui, should be made Crown Prince for his repeated accomplishments, virtuous and benevolent disposition, befitting the heir. He was to return to the capital and oversee national affairs immediately.

Yes, after becoming the son of Imperial Concubine Gongmin, Prince Cheng, who originally ranked third, was demoted to fourth.

It’s said that after the decree of the Crown Prince was issued, Prince Zhao nearly spat three mouthfuls of blood in fury, cursing the Saint as foolish. He was then beaten with thirty strokes, leaving his leg crippled.

At the end of February in the thirty-second year, a simple ceremony for the inauguration of the Crown Prince took place, followed by the general amnesty across the realm, excluding death row prisoners.

The Crown Prince was established, but the people did not rejoice much due to last year’s disastrous chaos being too severe. By March, the snow had yet to melt for spring plowing, which further plunged the populace into despair. Rebellious groups emerged, demanding the Saint abdicate and apologize.

Prince Rui took over the regency, learning to govern with the support of prominent officials. He dealt with disaster relief and ensuring public safety, always humbly seeking guidance from the Saint for every decision.

Yu Changkong had said that becoming Crown Prince does not mean smooth sailing; the real test starts now. The Crown Prince is the rightful heir, but also the prime thorn in the Saint’s side.

Especially with the Saint bedridden, while the Crown Prince is energetic and young, which only heightens the Saint’s wariness. Adopting a stance of weakness is the way to self-preservation.

Qi Qian kept Yu Changkong’s words in heart. The closer to the center of power, the more he understood that the Saint never truly relinquished control, even while lying seemingly vulnerable on the vast dragon bed.

Thinking of his ailing legitimate wife, Qi Qian felt cold in his heart, finally understanding Qin Liuxi’s words, seemingly immense wealth but actually fraught with danger everywhere, possibly unable to protect his wife and child.

Despite the sorrow and anger, Qi Qian presented himself with utmost humility in front of the Saint, learning to act under Yu Changkong’s guidance.

The path to the throne is strewn with thorns; walking safely to the golden dragon chair is never easy.

Especially the year the Crown Prince was appointed was terribly bleak, with continuous disasters and crises, the national treasury empty, troubles sprouting incessantly, to the point Qi Qian was overwhelmed every day.

The people also felt something strange, as natural and man-made disasters seemed to follow one after another in concert, endless and numbing.

As Taoists and monks frequently roamed the mortal world, more and more people believed that there was evil here, resulting in relentless disasters.

Rumors multiplied.

For a time, cries to eliminate evil prevailed, claiming the evil were the Taoists and monks, while some believed it was the unseen demons and ghosts. Rumors persisted, reducing devotees to Buddhist and Taoist temples, leading to the emergence of some Heavenly God Sect opposing the two.

In turbulent times, the people suffer.

By June.

Qin Liuxi emerged from the secret chamber of Qingping Temple, having been secluded for half a year. During this period, she escaped the outside chaos, focusing on cultivation and calculating the Array Map of the Trapped Immortal Array, leaving external matters to Feng Xiu. Occasionally, she received his transmissions, dealing with many Array Eyes.

The moon was bright, stars clear. Lightly tapping her toes, she leapt onto the roof, gazing at the star paths, her fingers constantly calculating, her features cold as the moon.

Teng Zhao watched her from below, the mountain wind rustling her robe, as if she might ascend into the air.

He felt a bit anxious and uneasy, instinctively leaping up.

Qin Liuxi looked back, beckoning to him, saying, "Why did you come up?"

Teng Zhao approached, standing shoulder to shoulder with her.

Qin Liuxi looked at the cold and resolute youth, gesturing, raising her brow with a smile, "Already as tall as your master, but your cultivation is far from it. Seems teaching the student who starves the master won’t happen here."

"A day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father. A teacher who keeps secrets isn’t a good one. You should impart everything you’ve learned to me," Teng Zhao replied in a muffled voice. "The path of cultivation is long; amidst cultivation, time and tide change, I feel I’ll never finish learning until I die."

"Hey, you think too much. Our master’s sect believes in nurturing freedom, meaning the teacher leads into the door and cultivation depends on the individual." Qin Liuxi felt a bit guilty under his gaze, so she touched her nose and said, "Alright, there’s time, your master will teach you the way of helping the poor and rich."

Teng Zhao: "?"

What?

"Going to rob someone? I can do that. Count me in," Little Ginseng sneaked up from their feet, holding a tile.

Qin Liuxi frowned disdainfully, "Damaging the roof tiles, you’ve got nerve, causing leaks, I’ll refine you."

She raised her hand, barely bending down, grasping it instantly, plucking the fruit from its head and placing it in her mouth, gripping its leg, threatening to twist.

"Zhaozhao save me," Little Ginseng cried in terror; someone not present was ruthless, its life at risk.

Teng Zhao remained expressionless, "You’ve grown a bit plump lately, or you wouldn’t break the roof tiles. Giving one to master is no problem."

Little Ginseng screamed, this is human speech?

You two are clearly retaliating for my eavesdropping earlier, it’s just robbery, what’s there needing money to hear?

Qin Liuxi teased Little Ginseng for a moment, "Alright, give me a section later, I need it for Elixir refining."

When refining the array plate, she required Spirit Pill support lest she couldn’t endure.

Qin Liuxi looked towards a spot, "Mouse, come over, no hiding, it’s you."

The Golden Rat chirped, darting over like a swift wind, boldly perched on her shoulder.

"Let’s go, teaching you the way of the mortal world." Qin Liuxi tossed Little Ginseng towards Teng Zhao, jumping down.

Teng Zhao quickly tucked Little Ginseng inside his robes and followed, vanishing into the night sky.

Watching them disappear below, Qing Yuan wiped his eyes, truly aging, why the sight of these youths’ antics could bring tears.