Chapter 76: The Way of the Sword and the Way of Kings

  Zhao Qi year 5, summer.

  Suburbs of Jinling City

  Several strong men blocked the road to rob, but unexpectedly, a young Taoist who was intercepted by several people suddenly disappeared with a light smile. Several people looked at each other in dismay, and just as they were stunned, a blue shadow flashed from behind them, and then several people fell to the ground one after another.

  A young man wearing a Taoist robe with a long sword on his back, a carefree headscarf on his head, and holding a book in his hand, looks extremely elegant. His appearance is refined and quiet, with a hint of elegance in his calm demeanor.

  This time he made his move, without even ruffling a corner of his clothes, and the long sword on his back didn't even leave its scabbard.

  Someone in the woods nearby suddenly applauded and praised: "Good lightness skill, good body method, good air quality, good heart nature, Wudang Sect's Song Shaoxia is not famous in vain, indeed has the style of his master."

  Young Daoist Wen Leng, turned his head to look back, and saw a white-clothed man walking out of the forest with a leisurely pace. Although his steps didn't seem big, he had already covered over ten zhang in the blink of an eye and arrived right in front of him. He was about to mobilize his energy to defend against the enemy, but when he saw the other's true appearance clearly, the young man couldn't help but burst out laughing, cupped his hands together in greeting, and laughed: "You can't be Yang Zuo Shi, this is too exaggerated a praise."

  Someone walked in and smiled, saying: "Song Shaoxia is indeed a famous return. Is Yang certain not a boastful person? It's been several years since we last met, Song Shaoxia's martial arts have improved again, but I don't know how his swordsmanship is now."

  This man is Yang Xiu without a doubt.

  In the past, Yang Xiu served as the Left Envoy of the Mingjiao Illuminating Sect. After the destruction of the Yuan Dynasty and the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, he held the position of Grand Commandant of the Imperial Censors, in charge of the Censorate, and could be said to have a high rank and great power. Although Liu Bowen held the position of Prime Minister, after all, he did not compare with Yang Xiu's past experience in the Mingjiao Sect, and had old ties with many people in the court who were also from the Mingjiao Sect. If it weren't for Yang Xiu, there would be no idea of contending for power, and whether Liu Bowen could sit securely in his position as Prime Minister was also a matter of debate.

  After the rebellion against Yuan, it has been over a decade. Yang Xiang is already nearing middle age and has passed his heavenly ordained years. Seeing that the world is at peace, he began to have thoughts of retirement. He submitted a letter of resignation and left the official residence, bringing with him the objects from his past travels. Yang Xiang's internal energy was deep and rich, and after many years of nourishment, his face did not show signs of aging, looking like a man in his forties. Leaving Chang'an, he initially wanted to return to Kunlun, but then changed his mind and decided to head to Jiangnan first. It was there that he coincidentally met Song Qingxue, who had also come out to travel the world.

  Yang Xiao saw Song Qingxue dressed as a Taoist priest and unexpectedly encountered such an unskilled bandit, intending to see how his swordsmanship was now, so he hid in the woods, but didn't expect that Song Qingxue had easily knocked down several people without even using a sword.

  Song Qing Shu smiled and said: "Are these people worthy of me drawing my sword? Yang Zuo Shi, what's going on with you? You're wearing all white clothes and walking outside, aren't you trying to return to the Jianghu?"

  The color of clothing is not to be taken lightly. In the past, when the Yuan people ruled the country, many Jianghu people didn't care about the "imperial court's ban", they wore whatever they wanted, but after the Ming dynasty was established, it followed the Tang and Song dynasties' regulations on clothing colors, such as bright red and purple, which only those with official positions could wear. Ordinary civilians could only wear white clothes. As a censor-in-chief, apart from the imperial family's forbidden colors, there were basically no taboos. When Song Qing saw Yang Xun wearing a white robe, he felt something in his heart and didn't address him as "Sir", but instead used their old Jianghu title to call him "Left Envoy". It was also because they hadn't seen each other for many years, but both had close ties with Yao Guang, so they were considered "old acquaintances" of each other's names, more familiar than strangers. Otherwise, if outsiders called out the old Mingjiao title, who knows what trouble it might stir up.

  Yang Hua smiled and said, "Young Master Song's thoughts are sharp. I have already resigned from office and returned to my hometown, so there is no need for formalities either. Thinking about it, I, Yang Hua, was famous for half a lifetime, but now I am carefree and light, which is quite rare. Today, coincidentally meeting Young Master, why not share a cup of wine?"

  Song Qing originally only had a guess in his heart, but he didn't expect Yang Xiao to really resign from office. He was stunned for a moment before laughing and continuing: "Senior has invited me, how dare I not obey? I know that within the Jinling City, there is a 'Huai De Wine House' that hides two famous wines, 'Drunken Life' and 'Dream Death'. There are also Hong Er, Zhu Ye Qing, and Wu Liang Ye. Why don't I host and invite Senior to drink heavily? The latest chapter of 'Chen Xiang' is here."

  Yang Xiao didn't stand on ceremony either, stretching out his hand to gesture for the other party to go first.

  Song Qingxue would never agree to take the lead and make the first move.

  In terms of age, Yang Xiang is two generations older than him. In terms of seniority, Yang Xiang and Yao Guang are of the same generation, while Song Qing Shu is Yao Guang's junior, actually Yao Guang's disciple, and is indeed one generation younger than Yang Xiang.

  The two men stood still for a moment, then Yang Guo couldn't help but laugh and say: "Song Xiaojian is indeed like the Sect Leader in this aspect. Although he is from a Taoist background, in some ways he is even more particular about etiquette than those Confucian scholars. Never mind, I'll take a big step forward first."

  Although Yao Guang was called the Emperor, Yang Xiao still habitually referred to him as "Jiao Zhu" in private. In his heart, "Jiao Zhu" had a few more connotations than "Your Majesty" or "Previous Emperor", but various secrets were not enough to be told to outsiders.

  Yang Xiang took a step forward, and Song Qing followed closely behind him.

  A moment later, Song Qing said: "Yang senior, I have a question to ask you."

  Yang Xiao smiled and said, "Feel free to speak. Fortunately, you don't have the habit of wanting to ask questions but still thinking 'should I ask or not', otherwise I would definitely respond with a 'not worth asking'."

  Song Qing's smile suddenly disappeared, "In the past, my junior master also refuted someone in this way. My junior master taught me to treat people with sincerity, speak directly and don't need to use tricks in words, which would only tarnish one's moral integrity."

  The words still linger in his ears, but he has been gone for many years.

  Since that year, the Fifth Master and his wife went to the Tianying Sect, it has been more than a decade since they returned. In the early years, he had gone to Kunlun to visit the Little Master, but after the Mingjiao uprising, there were only letters exchanged. After four years of war, he followed the Grandmaster to see the Little Master once, but never expected that one meeting would be their eternal farewell. Until now, the Fifth Master and his wife returned to Wudang, even Yin Tianzheng also came to Wudang Mountain with a title bestowed upon him under the pretext of retirement, the Mingjiao had already disappeared from the Jianghu, only the "Snow Bamboo" who was once the most talented and beautiful in Wudang was no longer in this world.

  Song Qing's heart was slightly depressed, and he quickly shook his head, saying: "Yang senior, please teach me, on the day my junior master 'ascended to heaven', were you present?"

  Yang Xiao was taken aback for a moment before he realized what Song Qing wanted to ask, and his heart couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

  "To be frank with you, Yang saw the Sect Master forge the Tianjian Sword and Tulong Knife into an unparalleled treasured sword. And then..."

  Yang Xiang's mouth twitched slightly, and a hint of resentment flashed in his eyes.

  "Yang Mou doesn't care what others say, in his opinion, it's a heavenly disaster for a genius. After a thunderbolt, he can't even help the master with his funeral! The various legends of immortals among the people, Yang Mou really can't believe... That young Zhang may also be talented, but Yang Mou always felt sorry for the master. The master went through hardships and battles, conquered the Yuan dynasty and gained power, only to see the world about to be at peace and then leave, leaving behind a great country and position to that young boy. And yet there are still people who dare say that the master was a woman in power, hated by heaven, trying to make excuses and manipulate public opinion."

  This is also something that only old Ming dynasty people can say, if they teach others, they absolutely dare not call the current emperor "the little Zhang boy".

  Yang Xiao closed his eyes and shook his head, his expression had calmed down.

  "Alright, that kid also knew how to repay kindness and didn't randomly alter the historical records. Song Shaoxia, did you know that after the Sect Master's passing, there were people who suggested letting you take over?"

  Song Qing Shu was taken aback for a moment, then burst out laughing.

  In the past, Yao Guang had a good relationship with Yang Xiao, who was also a Left Envoy of the Light Division. Sometimes when Yao Guang talked about old times in Wudang, he would mention that he had a junior fellow apprentice whom he had taught for many years but had abandoned before the other was ready to leave his tutelage. At the time, Yao Guang's words were full of praise and nostalgia for this junior fellow apprentice, as well as some guilt.

  Yang Xiang smiled and said: "We can bring that young Wudang hero to Guangming Peak."

  Yao Guang shook his head and sighed, he wasn't suitable for this place. Now that he thought about it, fortunately, he hadn't accepted any disciples, otherwise, he would have ruined him.

  Yang Xiang asked, what about Zhang Wuji then?

  Yao Guang replied, "Your life is complicated, and it's already like this. There's no need to force yourself out of here, and the disaster or fortune that will befall you is still hard to predict."

  It is still difficult to predict.

  It's really hard to predict.

  When the Jade Light became one with the heavens, Yang Xiao quickly thought of someone to fill the void and take over after a brief moment of confusion. He went to contact the remnants of the Ming Cult, and everyone unanimously agreed that Zhang Wuji should succeed him. The other voices in the court were immediately suppressed, and Yin Susu and Zhang Cuishan were very understanding and reasonable, urging Zhang Wuji to change his surname without hesitation. The next day, they hastily left Chang'an for Wudang. Yin Tianzheng was a deep and cunning old man who would not be foolish at this critical moment. He pulled in his eldest son, Yin Ye Wang, and soon handed over power and resigned together. As a result, those who were still worried about the interference of the royal relatives also fell silent.

  Teach with literature and history, teach with swordsmanship, teach with the hundred schools of thought... finally entrust with a country.

  The highest power in the world, the most supreme position, is also the heaviest responsibility, relied upon by all people.

  She had long known that she would not have any children, and if one day she were to pass away, the throne would eventually be passed into the hands of her only disciple. Therefore, several years ago, she took in Zhang Wuji as a foster son, probably also for this very day.

  Yang Xiao often thinks of past events and can't help but sigh.

  Yao Guang had considered the aftermath and had already persuaded many Ming Cult members to return home in glory. He had entrusted Liu Bowen to take care of the old Ming Cult members in the imperial court, but he never expected that he would leave so soon himself?

  What about the era name... Let's just call it "Zhao Qi" then. The sun and moon shine brightly, Venus shines with clarity. Our dynasty was established due to the Ming religion, so we called out for "Ming", the era name might as well come from the character "Ming". What does the left envoy think?

  The Master's words are naturally extremely good. The sacred fire is bright and clear, the sun and moon are bright and clear, it is wonderful to the extreme.

  All these past events are still vivid in my mind, but within Chang'an City, things have changed and people have gone.

  Yang Xiang often felt sentimental when encountering scenery, but ultimately resigned and traveled far after the world was at peace.

  Perhaps in his heart, what he dislikes the most is still that stunningly talented woman who sits on the throne and is not familiar to him.

  Yang Xiao knew a secret - a secret that might have caused great turmoil in the past but was now worthless, yet he still guarded it carefully, as if by doing so, he had a tacit understanding with the owner of the secret that was different from others.

  That secret had once been known to three people, and after Cheng Kun died quietly on Guangming Peak many years ago, only he and Yao Guang knew it. Now, only he knows it in the world.

  Those years when the Ming Cult was dormant, Cheng Kun once climbed to Guangming Peak to try to recognize Yao Guang as his relative, saying that he and the wife of the former Ming Cult leader Yang Dingtian were fellow disciples who fell in love but were brutally destroyed by Yang Dingtian. Cheng Kun spoke freely about past events, even revealing that he and Madame Yang had an affair on Guangming Peak's secret path. He also said that the year Yang Dingtian went mad was because he knew his daughter was not his biological child, which enraged him. Then, Cheng Kun used the birthmark on his arm to identify Yao Guang as not the daughter of Yang Dingtian and Madame Yang, but rather his own child with Madame Yang. Cheng Kun had thought that the power of the Ming Cult would be easily obtained, but he did not expect that a beautiful and elegant young girl would kill him without hesitation.

  At that time, Yang You hid in a dark place and wanted to make a move, but it was already one step too late. He casually said, "This monk has a big nerve."

  Yao Guang smiled and said, "Yes, you actually dare to sneak up to the top of Guangming from a secret passage. You really have a big nerve. However, I also learned something from this."

  Yang Xiang felt something was off, but Shang Fangyao had already rolled up her sleeve to her elbow, revealing a smooth and unblemished arm without the birthmark that Cheng Kun had mentioned earlier. Yang Xiang was shocked.

  There is no doubt that Yao Guang is not the daughter of Yang Ding Tian, nor is she even the child of Yang's wife. She was simply an orphan with no connection to the Ming Cult whatsoever. As for how the Sacred Fire Token ended up on her swaddling clothes, it was something that even Cheng Kun, who had taken away Yang's wife's daughter and then abandoned her on Wudang Mountain, could not have known. Perhaps there was a "heavenly intention" at play, or perhaps it was simply a coincidence.

  Yao Guang asked, what does Yang Zuo plan to do?

  Yang Xiang replied: I'll take my leave, Master, and wish you a good rest.

  It was as if nothing had happened at all, and it quietly passed by.

  If it were a few years earlier, Yang Xiang might have used this secret as leverage to blackmail the other party, but at that time he didn't think of these things at all. His first thought was "The leader won't abandon the Ming Cult, will he?" So after getting the other's probe, he actually let out a sigh of relief.

  After that, this secret also gradually changed its flavor in memory, from bitter to sweet, and then from sweet to sour, now it has become a mellow wine.

  Yang Xiang looked at the young Taoist in front of him and smiled, saying: "Song Shaoxia, have you ever thought that if the Sect Leader had left you on Guangming Peak back then, perhaps it would be you who is now the Emperor?"

  Song Qing smiled and shook his head: "Young Master won't keep me on Guangming Peak."

  Yang Youjian's face turned red with anger, and he asked, "How can you be so sure?"

  Song Qingxue smiled again, gently unfolding the book in his hand, and on the cover was indeed "Tao Te Ching". He smoothed out the pages, carefully putting the book into his sleeve.

  "When Master taught me swordsmanship in the past, I made a vow to study the way of the sword diligently and perseveringly, not to kill indiscriminately, not to lose my will, not to slaughter fellow disciples, and not to assist tyrants. Since I am studying the way of the sword, how can I also seek the way of kings? The world is in great chaos, Master cannot help but use his sword to save the world, so naturally, I should focus on studying the Tao even more, lest Master's efforts be in vain. His swordsmanship is unparalleled, if I can pass on a fraction of it to future generations, then my studies will not have been in vain."

  Yang Xiao heard this and remained silent for a long time before suddenly bursting out laughing.

  "Zhang Zhenren's good disciple, Teaching Master's good disciple! Today's wine will be treated by Yang Mou. Song Shaoxia don't decline, today we part ways, fearing that we won't meet again, also please convey to Zhang Zhenren, Yin Laoer father and son, Zhang Wuxia couple, that Yang Mou is about to return to Kunlun, so he won't personally visit Wudang. Wish everyone good health and no worries."

  Song Qingxue smiled and nodded, "So, I won't disappoint your good intentions. Please..."

  The two men were already in front of the Jinling city gate, and the warm sunshine was shining brightly on their faces.

  The author has something to say: As everyone wishes, write a grown-up version of Song Qing and Yang Xiao.

  Song Qing's feelings for Yao Guang don't need to be mentioned, Yang Xiao, what I wrote here is relatively subtle, anyway the meaning is roughly like that.

  。

  In the previous chapter, I mentioned that many Ming Cult members were hiding in seclusion without taking office. Here, it's written in the main text as well, roughly speaking, not many old Ming Cult members took office, especially high-ranking officials. Yao Guang advised many of them to leave, and those who didn't listen ended up dead. Among the smart ones, some ran away like Yang Xun after a few years, leaving only a small number behind, which doesn't matter much. I think if there were too many Ming Cult members in the imperial court, it would easily lead to turmoil, such as the unrest that occurred after Yao Guang left and the throne was vacant. Zhu Yuanzhang had some ideas at the time, but Yang Xun acted too quickly, and Xu Da and Chang Yuchun were loyal only to Yao Guang, so Zhu Yuanzhang could only think about it. (Zhu Yuanzhang: …)

  。

  Overlord ticket thank you list!

  VI&TA threw a landmine Oh no, it's your landmine again! Hehe!

  Three Fresh Mushroom Soup threw a hand grenade? Hand grenade! Favored and surprised, cute!

  Stepped on a landmine and saw your ID, suddenly thought of being taken by grandma to trample salted vegetables when I was young... hehe!

  Tang Dan threw a landmine Thanks for the landmine, muahahaha!

  VI&TA threw a grenade!! Thanks for the grenade, muahahaha!

  This chapter is Chapter 76 of The Sword Dao and the King's Way. If you think this chapter is not bad, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends on QQ group and Weibo!