Chapter 010: Memorial to the Emperor

Hong Yu let out a sigh: Being a genius is great. Why not try to be a genius myself?

A piercing scream shot straight into the sky

After six days of cultivation, Hong Yu's foundation became even more solid. However, these scriptures also made him vaguely understand that when martial arts cultivation reaches its peak, it is akin to "a lever moving the Earth," where the body serves as the fulcrum of that lever

Previously, this couple was the most unstable factor in the Hong family, but now it seems to be developing in a positive direction. Recently, it appears that the elder brother has not been thinking much about Song Youran.

What nonsense are you talking about? Do you still think you have a point?

The neighbors around were excitedly watching the commotion, almost ready to set out sunflower seeds and tea.

Grandfather

Hong Yu smiled and said, "Is there such a benefit after advancing to the late stage of the Eighth Rank Body Protection?"

Hong Yu's complexion changed dramatically, and he exclaimed: "Grandfather has not learned well; how can he be of the same ilk as Du Jincheng!"

On the first day, Hong Yu only read about one-sixth of the material, but this one-sixth brought him immense gains. In the following days, he had breakfast every morning with his grandfather, older brother, and younger sister, and then went to the library to study.

The Emperor waved his hand and said, "Minister Hong, rest assured, I will definitely give you an explanation regarding this matter!"

In the family restaurant, Old Master Hong has already arrived, seated in the main position, his expression stern and unsmiling. This is in stark contrast to his shameless weeping like a child before His Majesty yesterday

As for the originator of this fabricated story... Hong Yu, in his previous life, had become immune to the poison of such shoddy television dramas. With him at the helm, it would truly be a blend of popular elements such as romance, suspense, martial arts, and tragic love, making it impossible not to become a hit

The Emperor is too indifferent to the sordid affairs of Du Jincheng and Zong Xinyue. As for whether it was consensual or if there were underlying issues, the Emperor is even less concerned. Such matters occur countless times every day in the Great Xia; if the Emperor were to scrutinize each one daily, he would be exhausted in just a few days.

... ...

Hong Yu sniffed and said, "Is the elder sister back?"

Hong Shengri smiled faintly: "Thank you, Your Excellency." He still entered the palace with a look of deep sorrow, which led Fei Xiaotong and others behind him to speculate about what had happened to cause the old general Hong to wear such a troubled expression

Hong Shengri angrily exclaimed, "You unfilial wretch, get out of here!"

Not long after Hong Shengri left, the details of yesterday's incident and the reasons for Zong Yucang's hasty departure were laid out before Emperor Wuzong.

Hong Yuxin felt no sorrow: "I think it's quite good down here..."

In recent days, Hong Lie's condition has been improving significantly. Every morning, he appears refreshed and invigorated, eager for everyone to know that he achieved consecutive victories in last night's fierce struggle for supremacy.

Hong Yu reluctantly moved aside: "Can we eat first?"

Hong Yu discovered that his subordinate, Hong Xi, still possessed some capability in handling affairs. He immediately instructed him to spread rumors detrimental to the Zong family and Du Jincheng throughout Wudu City. Soon, this scandalous news was circulated with considerable detail and credibility.

Zong Yucang's daughter is his concubine, but this concubine is not particularly favored. She was included among the many beauties in the harem back then to continue the royal bloodline. Relying on the power of the Zong family, she was granted the title of noble consort, which is slightly higher in status than the average women in the palace.

Hong Lie could no longer contain himself and blurted out: "You don't know, my brother, I was once at the initial stage of the Eighth Rank Body Refinement, and your sister-in-law is already at the mid-stage of the Eighth Rank Body Refinement. I couldn't defeat her before; she was always on top. Now, I have finally turned the tables and become the master..."

Hong Yu curled his lips, his sharp tongue unmatched: "Her life has already been ruined; I am merely adding a touch of embellishment."

At that moment, Grand Eunuch Dai hurried in from outside and said: "Your Majesty, Zong Yucang requests an audience."

Even if you truly desire that position, can't you wait a moment? Lord Hong is still around; your eagerness will make the old ministers in the court think otherwise

He is currently being continuously strengthened by the Sha Mi Fa Xiang and the Ancient Demon Elephant Totem, resulting in an increasing energy consumption, and he can eat as much as a young calf at every meal

Hong Shengri trembled all over and hurriedly bowed his head, saying: "This old minister is terrified; this old minister deserves to die a thousand deaths"

The winds of change are stirring outside the Hong residence. In reality, Hong Shengri's confinement of Hong Yu within the Hong residence is a form of protection. However, the old master Hong can never bring himself to express such pretentious sentiments, resorting instead to crude methods to conceal them.

Hong Shengri plopped down onto the chair and grabbed a youtiao, taking a fierce bite: "This little rascal is driving me crazy!"

Yes

As Old Master Hong waited outside the palace gates, a sharp scream shattered the morning tranquility from within a residence located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Qingshen Street and Baisheng Street.

Emperor Wuzong was stuck there for a while, and only after some time did he gloomily lower his arm that he had raised in anger: "Is he playing with me?"

... ...

Du Jincheng has slept with his ugliest student, and Hong Shengri has ample reason to consider this analogy an insult to himself, especially in terms of taste

... ...

Hong Shengri wept bitterly, growing increasingly sorrowful. The Emperor let out a slight sigh and said, "Hong Aiqing, do not worry. I assure you that such a thing will never happen again. Furthermore, I can guarantee that your three grandsons, even a hundred years after the old general, will certainly be esteemed nobles of our Great Xia"

The matter of the clan has caused a significant loss of face, and Du Jincheng has completely ruined his reputation.

Regardless of whether Hong Yu just talked back to his grandfather, the grandfather had already decided on this punishment and had informed Hong Shen in advance. Therefore, Hong Yu feels that he has gained something by venting his frustrations on the old man just now

Emperor Wuzong smiled slightly and said, "General Hong, what is the matter? I heard from Xiaotong that you have been wearing a worried expression since early this morning..."

Du Jincheng's "mother tiger" finally found this place under the guidance of the clues inadvertently left by the guards of the Hong residence. Upon entering, she saw Du Jincheng and Zong Xinyue lying naked on the bed

Du Jincheng and Zong Xinyue's effects of the medication had worn off, and they were just beginning to wake up in a daze. The sharp scream completely roused both of them.

The second library contains the knowledge required to master the transition from the sixth-grade true refinement to the fourth-grade universal law, while the final library encompasses the knowledge necessary for mastering the transition from the third-grade manifestation of the sacred to the first-grade unity of truth

The foundational knowledge between the sixth-grade true refinement and the fourth-grade universal method is significantly more profound than that within the first volume. Even with the assistance of the clear insight skill, it is not an easy task for Hong Yu to read through these ten thousand volumes of classics.

Your Majesty, I, an old minister, am truly aggrieved! Even a junior dares to come and humiliate me...

Old Master Hong waited sorrowfully outside the palace gate, not speaking to anyone. The imperial guards looked at him with some curiosity.

The two brothers, without any sense of shame, discussed as they headed to the restaurant. Hong Yu was actually quite pleased; his elder brother had elevated his status, and the sister-in-law, who had always looked down on him, immediately returned to him, and that evening they shared a moment of intimacy as a couple

Upon reaching the second library, he continued to make a wish in his heart. This time, it took quite a while, and only after a clear understanding did the skill activate. Then, relying on this skill, he calmed his mind and studied carefully.

If Brother Hong Yu were here, he would surely be astonished. The Iron-Blooded War God, the foremost general of the Great Xia, is actually crying like a child at over seventy years of age

He shook his head and muttered disrespectfully, "This old fellow"

Elder Dai, with a sharp voice like that of a duck, said: "General Hong, His Majesty is waiting for you in the Imperial Study. Please follow me now."

Hong Shengri entered and performed three prostrations and nine bows, saying: "Your Majesty"

Emperor Wuzong looked at Hong Shengri with a hint of guilt and helped him up once more: "Minister Hong, these years I have neglected you. I feel remorse towards you old ministers."

No, I will go hungry

The next morning, when Hong Yu went to have breakfast, he happened to run into his elder brother, Hong Lie. Hong Lie appeared refreshed and exuded a sense of clarity.

Sister-in-law Lei Yuanyuan and elder brother Hong Lie are precisely the type of people whose actions do not match their names. Hong Lie is gentle and kind-hearted, while Lei Yuanyuan is certainly not "virtuous and modest"; rather, she possesses a fiery temperament. Although she does not have the full fierceness of the Du family women, she certainly has a third of it.

Moreover, this young man speaks with such reason that I have no grounds to refute him

After reading it, the emperor had already made a decision in his heart. There were indeed some minor discrepancies with what Hong Shengri had said, but the fact that Zong Xinyue and Du Jincheng had joined forces to humiliate Hong Lie was undeniable. Moreover, Du Jincheng was clearly prepared to embarrass Hong Shengri; otherwise, how could Zong Xinyue have coincidentally appeared on the second floor of Chunhui Building?

It would be one thing at Chunhui Building, but what about the damage you have done to the reputation of Zong Xinyue? One should leave a way out for others; this is a young girl whose life has been ruined!

Moreover, even if it were not for our own sake, do you think that Zong Xinyue and Du Jincheng would leave any room for Xu Yong and the others?

Zong Xinyue's physique is even more robust and towering than Du Jincheng's. What other explanation could there be for him to associate with such a student, aside from his infatuation with the power of the Zong family?

This fellow is quite something, refusing to suffer any losses, and actually standing up to me!

However, Hong Yu already possesses two "spring eyes." The Dan Zhong acupoint of the novice monk Fa Xiang and the Tian Quan acupoint of the Ancient Demon Elephant Totem are both emanating martial energy, which means he is at least at the mid-stage of the ninth grade of the spring emanation.

Humph! The Emperor Wu Zong let out a cold snort, and outside, Chief Eunuch Dai reported: "Your Majesty, Empress Zong has arrived"

However, some of his national policies have also faced considerable criticism, such as the eradication of Yun Kong Temple twenty years ago

Your Majesty, Zong Yucang's granddaughter has been bullying my grandson Hong Lie at Liling Academy, and she has colluded with the mentor Du Jincheng from Liling Academy to harm this old minister. Fortunately, my two grandsons are quite capable and have seen through their scheme; otherwise, this old minister would have no face to meet Your Majesty today

Emperor Wuzong was also taken aback, personally lifting Hong Shengri up, frowning with anger and saying: "What on earth has happened to the old general? Speak up, and I shall take responsibility for you!"

Emperor Wuzong felt a hidden anger in his heart

The clan will certainly not sit idly by, and those behind the clan are also wielding significant influence; at the front and back gates of the Hong residence, as well as outside the surrounding walls, there are many pairs of eyes watching every day, and it is unknown how many experts are lurking in the shadows. If Hong Yu were to go out at this moment, there might be some schemes waiting for him.

If measured by the Nine-Rank Standard of Qingyuan Continent, the Nine-Rank Gushing Spring refers to the act of "excavating" a meridian within the body, allowing the martial energy to surge forth like a spring. Therefore, it is undeniable that Hong Yu has now reached the realm of Nine-Rank Gushing Spring.

This idea was quickly dismissed by him; what is so great about being a genius? It is too exhausting. Instead, the identity of a debauched stallion with the right to mate freely seems to hold more promise.

Hong Shengri's old tears streamed down his face, speaking of a tragic situation. The matter of the credentials completely revealed that Zong Yucang coveted his position and sought every possible means to replace him.

Yesterday, feeling quite pleased with himself, he had outsmarted General Hong Shengri, but today he found himself at a loss in front of his grandson. He glared with eyes that were even wider than a tiger's, and pointed fiercely towards the door: "Get out! If you do not copy all the texts in the library ten times, you are never allowed to leave this house for the rest of your life!"

Hong Shen, caught between laughter and tears, said: "After you copy the texts in these three libraries ten times, I will copy them once according to your version. Otherwise, I cannot go out either"

During the flourishing period of the Great Xia Dynasty, Emperor Wuzong was a tall and vigorous man. Under his rule, the Great Xia Dynasty enjoyed favorable weather, successfully resisted the Di Rong to the north, maintained peace in the south against the Canglan, and ensured tranquility across the four seas

The eunuch Dai soon returned: "Your Majesty, Zong Yucang refuses to leave and is kneeling outside the palace gate, claiming he has grievances to report." The Emperor's anger was evident, and he was about to erupt when another young eunuch entered, knelt down, and said: "Your Majesty, Zong Yucang suddenly left in a hurry."

How did he punish you

Throughout the journey, the elder maintained this expression remarkably well, almost allowing everyone who passed by to see it. Upon arriving at the Hong residence and entering his study, Hong Shengri's face immediately blossomed with a radiant smile akin to sunshine.

The two brothers greeted each other and then sat down separately. The younger sister had already arrived, her gaze shimmering with a peculiar brilliance as she looked at her elder brother

Du Jincheng was inherently submissive to his wife, and the lady of the Du family was a fierce woman, a true battle tiger among mother tigers. This situation became quite lively, with chaos ensuing. Du Jincheng had over a dozen scratches on his face, and the lady of the Du family even engaged in a fierce battle with Zong Xinyue, who was at the mid-stage of the eighth rank. She pulled Zong Xinyue's hair and used street-fighting tactics, nearly defeating Zong Xinyue in martial arts.

Hong Yu greeted Hong Yin as usual. After Hong Yin went in to check and confirmed that there were no issues, Hong Yu then cupped his hands in farewell and left. Hong Xi naturally followed behind.

Hong Shengri was furious; this scoundrel, all I wanted was to put on a show, to scold you all just for appearances' sake. Otherwise, how would others view us

Hong Yu pouted and still went out honestly

Fortunately, the novice monk's Dharma aspect is quite powerful, and the "Clear Insight" skill can always be activated, allowing him to achieve twice the result with half the effort

... ...

Bang! Hong Shengri at www.hetushu.com slammed the table heavily without any warning and angrily scolded these two grandsons: "Nonsense!"

The insignificant Zong Yucang was eliminated just like that

The three libraries of the Hong family, the first of which contains texts that are the most straightforward and easy to understand, likely covering the foundational knowledge that should be mastered at the seventh rank of the Soul Star stage in the Nine Ranks of the Gushing Spring Path

Mercy towards the enemy is cruelty towards oneself. Grandfather, having experienced countless battles, you should be well aware of this

Hong Shengri fell to his knees with a thud: "The imperial grace is boundless!"

He has only been in this world for a mere eleven days, yet he has remarkably progressed from a worthless individual to the mid-stage of the Ninth Grade Spring Surge. Throughout the entire Qingyuan Continent, there has been no one who has achieved such rapid advancement!

The strength of the Third Rank Manifestation is indeed remarkable, and Fei Xiaotong emerged shortly after, followed by a eunuch with equally agile skills, who was none other than Grand Eunuch Dai, the most trusted chief steward of the inner court beside Emperor Wuzong.

Hong Yu is currently at a disadvantage because he did not take good care of his body in the past. Although his realm has improved, his physical condition is still lacking. Moving forward, he needs to diligently train this body.

Not having walked far, Hong Xi could not help but come closer, excitedly reporting: "Young Master, I have exerted tremendous effort and finally clarified the matter you entrusted to me: On that day, why did Zong Xinyue carry so much money? The Zong family was furious, and it is likely related to the loss of one hundred thirty thousand taels of silver..."

Zong Yucang, playing tricks with me, I will outsmart you completely

At the same time, the dark golden martial energy of the Ancient Magic Elephant Totem will also circulate within the meridians of his left arm

... ...

Grandfather, do you think that if our Hong family were to collapse, these people would leave us a way out? They would not; they would only intensify their efforts to kick us while we are down

Before the emperor finished speaking, Hong Shengri was overwhelmed with grief, collapsing to the ground and crying out loudly: "Your Majesty, this old minister feels wronged in his heart, ah ah ah..."

What he is particularly concerned about are the events that took place at Chunhui Building

What kind of person is the great master? Our little tricks were seen through by him at a glance

Hong Yu was left speechless: The old man has tied himself and Hong Shen together with a rope, meaning that if he cannot finish it, neither can Hong Shen. In the future, Hong Shen will surely supervise him day and night to copy it out!

However, in front of his ministers, Emperor Wuzong was actually a very easygoing person

Hong Yu encountered Hong Shen outside the military library, where Hong Shen wore a bitter smile: "Young Master, I have been quite burdened because of you..." Hong Yu blinked and replied: "Uncle Shen, have we been seen through by Grandfather?"

Hong Lie laughed heartily, glanced around to see no one was present, and patted his chest: "Last night, I finally restored the authority of the husband..." After a moment's thought, he realized that this matter might not be suitable to discuss with his brothers, so he decided to stop there, laughing heartily, with a sense of pride evident in his expression.

He could even imagine that in the past, his elder brother had to seek his sister-in-law's permission even to go to bed—after all, she was of a higher caliber, and he could not overpower her

There is a faint fragrance emanating from the elder brother

Hong Yu was still worried that if Old Master Hong became furious and taught Zong Yu Cang a lesson with the elite troops, it might leave some aftereffects. He never expected that Hong Sheng Ri, over seventy years old, would shamelessly go to His Majesty the Emperor and cry, sobbing uncontrollably, employing the tearful tactics typically used by ordinary women, successfully breaking down the Emperor's emotional and rational defenses

Hong Shengri wept bitterly, tears falling like rain: "Your Majesty, I, an old minister, am still the Grand General of the Nation, and my Hong family has always been loyal and valiant. Yet, I am still alive, and there are already those who covet my status and position. If I were to die, these younger generations would likely not even be able to live in peace! Your Majesty, I have served the Great Xia with loyalty and dedication, and all the children of the Hong family have been devoted to the Great Xia. I truly did not expect to end up in such a situation today..." Your Majesty, I have served the Great Xia with loyalty and dedication, and all the children of the Hong family have been devoted to the Great Xia. I truly did not expect to end up in such a situation today...

Emperor Wuzong found it difficult to express his stance easily: "What exactly happened, Minister Hong?"

The novice monk's dharma image settled in his Dan Zhong point, and each time he recited the sutras, the sound of the Buddha's voice wafted gently, with a faint golden mist emanating from the novice monk's mouth, enveloping his entire body at a measured pace

Then the guards of the Zong family arrived, kicking the Du family woman to the ground. Du Jincheng was not having it either and started fighting with the Zong family guards

How can you have such a lackadaisical attitude towards marital principles? No, no, let me have a serious talk with you; it is essential to correct this mindset.

The clan has long coveted the position of our Hong family, always seeking to replace us. This conflict is fundamentally irreconcilable. The situation between us and the clan has long been one of mutual destruction.

The harmony of the zither and the lute is undoubtedly a good thing

Hong Shengri subsequently returned, sorrowful and heartbroken, under the comforting words of Emperor Wuzong

As he walked out of the library, lost in thought, he immediately spotted Hong Xi waiting nearby with a furtive expression, appearing somewhat impatient.

Over the course of six consecutive days, Hong Yu completed the study of all the texts in the second library. In fact, the entire process of study was also a process of cultivation for Hong Yu

At such times, Hong Shengri stands like a great mountain, shielding the entire Hong family from all storms, thunder, and lightning

... ...

Yes

The emperor said lightly: "I have no time."

Hong Yu let out a slight sigh, stood up, and said with neither humility nor arrogance: "Grandfather, do you think this is excessive? But have you considered what the outcome would have been if it weren't for Eldest Brother's sudden breakthrough? Du Jincheng would not have spared us; he would have ruthlessly trampled your reputation into the mud to enhance his own prestige.

Emperor Wuzong, in a fit of anger, shouted: "Not seen! Let him roll back!"

He previously entered the first library, and at that time, the skill of "clear understanding" was successfully activated. In just one day, he finished reading all the texts within the first library, resulting in a significant increase in his strength

The two hurriedly knelt down: "Grandfather, please calm your anger."

Zong Xinyue will certainly not let us off the hook. Her appearance at Chunhui Building is to assist the tyrants! Not only does she want to strike at the Hong family, but in the future, it will be even more difficult for elder brother to make any progress at Liling Academy, and he might even be completely expelled from the academy.

Hong Xi hid among the crowd, thoroughly enjoying the entire performance, and then returned contentedly to report to the second young master

During this period, Hong Yu focused on intensively reinforcing his foundational martial arts skills in the library

The Grand General of the Nation has been loyal and unparalleled throughout his life, never before has he wept so openly in front of others as he did today. Coupled with the dispute over the Four Great Pillars and the Six Great Treasures, even His Majesty the Emperor has heard of it, and he subconsciously lowered his opinion of Zong Yucang to the lowest point.

The expression on His Majesty's face has become terrifyingly grim