Chapter Nine, Treacherous Ministers and Archenemies

Who is this? Gu Cheng is here to cause trouble, and upon seeing this, he pretended to be displeased and said

Without needing to signal, a guard immediately stepped forward to knock on the door. The intermittent sound of the xiao (a traditional Chinese flute) continued from within, and several individuals rushed out: "Who dares to disturb my master?"

Oh, look at what the young master is saying... The beautiful woman smiled somewhat forcedly, as those who do business under the imperial city fear the most are the reckless young nobles. However, she recognizes the faces of the second-generation officials from Lin'an Prefecture; who exactly is this one?

The beautiful woman, seeing Gu Cheng's imposing demeanor, did not dare to linger. She adjusted her neckline, and her demeanor unexpectedly became serious and dignified, softly saying: "In response to the young master, Lord Han has been in charge for three days, and yesterday was also him"

Given his status and Huang Shang's unparalleled martial arts skills, how could he possibly fear that person from ascending to the heavens

Upon arriving at the courtyard, one could see a throng of carriages and horses, with the horse-drawn carriages being adorned with red lacquer and intricate carvings, inlaid with gold and silver foil, clearly indicative of the style of nobility and royalty

Even without the existence of Zhang Jiao's remnant soul, Gu Cheng would not let this person go. Now that this fellow has actually bumped into him, both new grievances and old grudges will be settled together

The remnants of Zhang Jiao, the spirit of the "Fire" probe, were present in the Mirror Moon Pavilion yesterday, providing an opportunity to inquire about his identity.

Han Tizhou's face turned pale, and he hurriedly said: "This is Huang Jing'an, a member of the Huang family from Zhejiang. He is well-versed in both literary and martial arts, as well as poetry and prose, truly a rare talent. He has yet to attain any official title and is unfamiliar with the etiquette, having inadvertently offended Your Highness. I humbly ask for Your Highness's forgiveness"

Regarding the generation distinction, he is still Zhao Kuo's uncle, and the relationship between the two parties should have been close

Once such a charge is substantiated, it is not just the royal family and nobility; anyone would face the fate of having their homes raided and their families exterminated

Either to intimidate the opponent as before with Hong Qi, or to pierce into the opponent's mind like a needle, causing a moment of excruciating headache.

It seems that it is only natural for him to neglect others, yet it is absolutely unacceptable for others to ignore him

This person looks very familiar, let me take a look! It turns out to be him? Gu Cheng flipped through Zhao Kuo's memories, and after a brief comparison, his expression darkened.

Since ancient times, it has been common for literati to consort with courtesans, and this trend was particularly prominent during the Tang and Song dynasties. As a prominent figure among the literati, Huang Shang has long been a regular patron of the Daiqing Courtyard, whether for social gatherings or invitations.

In that moment, it was as if a light broke through the darkness, and the void crackled with energy. The scholar in the blue robe had originally only focused his gaze, intending to embarrass the other party, but unexpectedly, a sharp pain shot through his head, causing him to let out a muffled groan.

Han Tizhou originally stood up in a fit of anger, intending to reprimand the intruder, but upon seeing Gu Cheng also in a daze, he revealed an expression of disbelief: "Your Highness, Prince Jia?"

The emperors of the Song Dynasty engaging with courtesans is not without precedent, as seen with Li Shishi. If this individual is indeed the son of Professor Huang Chang, then ingratiating oneself with Daiqing Courtyard could lead to a meteoric rise in the future

At this moment, a trace of malice appeared in Han Tizhou's eyes, and a faint amber-colored light flickered. Just as he was about to speak, a melody from a flute suddenly emanated from the inner room

Huang Chang did not decline, and entered with ease as if familiar with the route. Before long, a beautiful woman came out to greet him: "Lord Huang, are you here to see Miss Hengbo again today?"

Gu Cheng's gaze was slightly peculiar, and despite Huang Shang being over one hundred years old, his face couldn't help but flush slightly as he cleared his throat

Hmm? The scholar in the blue robe's expression darkened, his gaze sharp as a sword, piercing directly towards me

So it turns out to be my uncle! Gu Cheng's heart was filled with murderous intent, yet his face displayed a smile as warm as spring, as he greeted him.

But do not forget that Gu Cheng knew how Zhao Kuo would be humiliated and manipulated by two powerful ministers in the future, with the first fifteen years being under the control of the treacherous minister Han Tizhou.

Oh? Even Huang Chang's gaze shifted slightly, revealing a rare seriousness. He subtly adjusted his step, positioning himself in front of Gu Cheng.

Han Tizhou did not wait for him to finish speaking, but abruptly grabbed him and forcefully pressed him down into his seat: "Your Highness, forgive me! Your Highness, forgive me!"

Han Tianzhou was suddenly drenched in cold sweat

At that time, "Fire" did not dare to approach, only sensing its location. Gu Cheng's arrival now is to ascertain its identity and then, with overwhelming force, eliminate it.

A young servant came forward to greet them from a distance, behaving with great decorum: "Please, esteemed guests, come in!"

Unexpectedly, Gu Cheng slowly raised his head, and a flash of brilliance appeared in his eyes

The interior arrangement is not luxurious or extravagant, but rather exudes a refined simplicity that reveals exquisite elegance, immediately aligning with the sophisticated taste of literati.

Gu Cheng, however, did not respond, walking towards the main seat as if oblivious, and slowly sat down

Indeed, it is a true dragon

At this moment of losing composure, it has already caused the scholar in the blue robe to feel utterly humiliated, and he became furious: "How dare you be so audacious..."

Gu Cheng seemed to smile yet not smile: "I have heard that my uncle is fond of making friends, welcoming all from the three teachings and nine streams, regardless of wealth or poverty, and accepting all who come. Could it be that this person is one of your guests?"

"Lord Han?" Gu Cheng's heart stirred, while anger surged on his face as he pointed at Huang Chang and said, "Is there a Lord Huang? If not, take me there!"

However, in the introductory section of the "Eight Parts of the Dragon Canon," he constantly hones his will and diligently cultivates his magical power. In the practice of various martial arts from the "Nine Yin Manual," the Soul Transference Technique is closely related to the spiritual intent in the unseen realm. The two complement each other, leading to remarkable progress and rapid advancement.

Although Huang Shang is not the foremost among scholars, he is an examination official with numerous students across the land, enjoying a reputation for integrity. He is also a teacher to the princes. With these multiple identities combined, even a prime minister would treat him with great respect. Yet now, he seems to be subtly relegated beneath this young man

At this moment, the scholar in the blue robe seemed to have just noticed the presence of others in the room. He stood up slowly and raised his hand without any sign of respect, saying: "I have seen His Highness!"

Only a scholar in a blue robe sat quietly in his seat, motionless, merely gazing intently at a graceful figure in the inner room, obscured by a light veil

This statement is quite harsh, implying that he harbors disloyal intentions

Certainly, this method still does not reach the level of deep hypnosis as in the original plot, where one can briefly manipulate a person's consciousness, and its effectiveness is limited when encountering experts

In two lifetimes, Gu Cheng had come to a brothel for the first time.

This person stands at a height of 9 feet, imposing and majestic, with a straight back like a sword or a spear. Just a single glance from him feels as if a towering mountain is bearing down, causing the previously arrogant guards of the royal mansion to change color in fear.

Gu Chengcai was unconcerned about the thoughts of a mere madam and directly got to the point: "Take us to Jingyue Pavilion!"

The beautiful woman swayed her serpentine waist, her ample bosom pressing forward: "Young master, please calm your anger. The Jingyue Pavilion has guests today, and they made their reservation a month ago."

It is said that enemies are bound to meet; Zhang Jiao's lingering soul, why did you choose to possess none other than my archrival?

What discerning eyes that beautiful woman possesses; she immediately recognized Gu Cheng's extraordinary qualities from the small details. Her pair of enchanting phoenix eyes gazed over with a smile that was captivating, and she could not look away.

This action not only confirmed the identity of Gu Cheng for the beautiful woman, but also made the guests invited by Han Tizhou realize the identity of the newcomer, who approached cautiously to pay their respects

Suddenly, she looked at Huang Chang, and a thought jumped into her mind, causing her face to contort with excitement as she hurriedly nodded: "Young Master, this way please! This way please!"

He does not bear the surname Zhao, and no matter how powerful the maternal relatives are, they cannot compare to the royal family. If the title of uncle spreads, many people will undoubtedly seek trouble with him

"I am unworthy! Truly unworthy!" Han Tongzhou, startled, stepped out in a hurry and was about to bow deeply in reverence.

In light of this, all the officials must step aside, and under the enthusiastic guidance of the beautiful lady, everyone quickly arrived outside a garden

Gu Chengyao gazed at the foremost courtyard of Lin'an, unfolded his folding fan, a faint smile appearing on his face, yet deep within his pupils lay a profound seriousness

Han Tu, born into a prestigious family, is the grandson of Han Qi, a high-ranking official who served during three dynasties and once resisted the Western Xia alongside Fan Zhongyan, earning great respect. His father, Han Cheng, married the sister of the current Empress Dowager, making him a genuine member of the royal family.

Sir, please! Gu Cheng is currently in disguise and is a novice, naturally he can only look up to Huang Chang as his leader.

Little did anyone expect the answer to come so unexpectedly quickly

Daiqing Courtyard is situated on the most bustling street of Lin'an. Even before nightfall, the loft is already brightly lit, with the continuous sound of flutes and zithers, creating an atmosphere of elegance

The Mirror Moon Pavilion is the signature establishment of the Daiqing Courtyard. Historically, only those renowned courtesans who have attained the title of Huakui are qualified to preside over it. Similarly, if one wishes to enjoy a performance within, it requires a lavish expenditure.

Gu Cheng did not take her seriously at all, and with a flick of his sleeve, he pushed her aside: "Yesterday, I sent someone to inquire, saying there were guests. Who exactly dares to interrupt my enjoyment?"

The possessor of Zhang Jiao's lingering soul is among them, and it is thanks to the surveillance by the disciples of the Beggar's Sect that this clue could be uncovered. Moreover, Hong Qi's injuries are highly likely to have been inflicted by that person

Gu Cheng practiced martial arts for only three months, and his internal strength is still weak; thus, there is no shortcut to be taken.

In the center of the table, a large man slowly stood up

"Get out of the way!" The guards of the Jia Wangfu rudely pushed him aside, and Gu Chengda swaggered in.