At Deyun Building, after Li Xuan descended from the sixth floor. A Neishi, who had been standing respectfully behind Yu Qiyong, the son of Prince Xiang, frowned and looked towards the staircase.
"Marquis of Guanjun has no appreciation. Your Highness has humbled yourself so much for him..."
Before the Neishi could finish his sentence, Yu Qiyong gave him a slap in the face, producing a crisp ’slap’ sound.
"Shut your mouth! You think you, a worthless creature, can comnt on Marquis of Guanjun, an officer of the current court? When we get back, go and receive ten strokes yourself as punishnt for your outrageous remark against an important official."
The Neishi imdiately covered his face, not quite understanding, "Your Highness?"
He was rely voicing his displeasure at the injustices Yu Qiyong had to endure. Over the past three months, Yu Qiyong had attempted to et with Li Xuan seven tis. Either he was declined outright, or like today, he was received with indifference and subtle rebuffs.
Son of Prince Xiang, Yu Qiyong walked to the window with his hands behind his back, watching Li Xuan leave the building, his eyes filled with helplessness.
"Why can’t you see? Can Marquis of Guanjun be compared to the so-called military generals I have t before?"
The Neishi also frowned, "Even Huangfu Yuanji is respectful in front of Your Highness."
That was the younger brother of the forr Fuguogong!
At the beginning of the year, with Huangfu Xuanji’s imprisonnt, the line of Fuguogong was now led by Huangfu Yuanji.
Yu Qiyong scoffed when he heard these words, "Huangfu Yuanji, what’s he? He is not even worth a finger of Marquis of Guanjun."
How could Huangfu Yuanji compare with this prestigious person?
During his heyday, Huangfu Xuanji was overshadowed by Marquis of Guanjun. And Huangfu Yuanji, whether in terms of power, prestige, or maneuvering skills, was far inferior to his younger brother.
Since this man has assud the role of Judge, who among the distinguished nobles of Beijing does not hold him in so reverence?
In the past, although Minister Yu Jie from the Ministry of War also aid to maintain strict discipline within the Weisuo army, he was constrained by his title and was not able to exert the full extent of his power.
But in less than three months of Marquis of Guanjun taking office, without making any major decisions, the entire Weisuo army was disciplined.
Everyone knows that Marquis of Guanjun is the Hufa of Neo-Confucianism. His Hao Qi has been so intense it’s turned white. His character is sure to be upright, iron-faced, and selfless.
Once a case falls into his hands, it will certainly end badly.
Especially considering that behind this man stands the Tianshi’s mansion, Earl Chengyi’s mansion, the Princess Mansion, the Shenqi Union, the Jiangnan dical institution, and even the entire aquatic clan of Yangtze River! His power is unfathomable,
"Since this man is so important, why didn’t Your Highness use rewards to tempt him earlier?" The Neishi, who doesn’t know better, suggested, "These warriors can’t resist money. Sums of 350,000 or 1,000,000 should be enticing."
After listening to that, Yu Qiyong, son of Prince Xiang, could only sigh bitterly. He thought that if possible, he would be willing to exchange half of the wealth of Prince Xiang’s mansion for a promise from Li Xuan.
With a wholehearted support from Marquis of Guanjun, his great cause would be at least 30% successful.
The problem is, can he be swayed by money? As soone who controls the water routes with one hand and the Shenqi Union with the other, would he lack money?
"You do not understand, this Marquis of Guanjun... "
Yu Qiyong began but shook his head slightly, wondering why he was discussing these matters with a foolish Neishi.
Yu Qiyong had already considered replacing this man yet found his service to be extrely ticulous. Furthermore, having a foolish Neishi by his side didn’t seem to have any downsides.
After leaving the restaurant, Li Xuan glanced in the direction of the carriage of Abbot Weizhen. As it happened, there were also two cold murderous gazes looking back at him from that direction.
The two’s gaze t for a mont, then the carriage slowly started and drove slowly westward.
At this mont, Luo Yan and Yue Qianqian also ca out of the restaurant.
Due to their lower status, they had to wait at a banquet table on the fifth floor.
"It seems the negotiations have broken down?" Luo Yan stood next to Li Xuan, her eyes, watching the carriage, were also cold, "From the way Abbot Weizhen ca down, he looked very upset, his eyes full of hostility. This man will not back down easily and will definitely be planning a counterattack."
Yue Qianqian quickly nodded her head, "Sir, you must be careful. Zen Sect is the head of Buddhism in the world, with more followers than even the Pure Land Sect. As of now, just the number of warrior monks exceeds 60,000. In the Liudao Division, of the four elder council positions held by Buddhism, Zen Sect holds three, as well as several at the heavenly level."
Upon hearing this, Li Xuan laughed, "What, are you worried that I will lose to him?"
"That’s not the case, but there’s no ti." Luo Yan shook her head with a serious expression, "After all, the day after tomorrow will determine the successor of Venerable of Zhuque Hall. Also, the authority to reward 800 rits held by Fumo Venerable this year is soon to be used up."
Just half a month ago, the current Venerable of Zhuque Hall, Long Xuhu, had a great battle with a big demon at the sub-heavenly level in the south.
Although Long Xuhu successfully repelled the big demon, his old injuries flared up as a result of the battle. After the battle, Long Xuhu voluntarily proposed to abdicate and asked the main hall to choose a new capable person to replace him.
Originally, Qiu Qianqiu was almost certain to take on the position of ’Venerable of Zhuque Hall’. The elder council had transferred Qiu Qianqiu to the Zhuque Hall with the intention of him succeeding Long Xuhu.
But now, due to Li Xuan’s involvent, this matter has taken a turn for the unexpected.
There are already people in the elder council proposing a replacent for Qiu Qianqiu, and it is very likely that this will pass in the elder’s council eting the day after tomorrow.
Luo Yan did not believe that Abbot Weizhen could be a match for Li Xuan.
However, the process to replace an elder is extrely tedious. Even if Li Xuan manages to get rid of those two, at least three to five months would pass, by which ti it would be too late.
Moreover, the elder council’s impact on Li Xuan doesn’t stop there.
At the mont, all funding and material supply for the Shenyi Departnt, as well as promotions, accolades, and so on, are severely stifled by the elder council.
Currently, the recognition of the staff in Shenyi Departnt solely depends on Zhu Mingyue’s authority.
Thinking of this, Luo Yan felt extrely suffocated, wishing she could draw her blade and attack soone.
Given her original disposition, she would have directly launched an attack and beheaded Weizhen and Weixing.
However, Luo Yan was aware that the problems at the Liudao Division couldn’t be solved with brute force.
Even Zhu Mingyue, who could command ’Great Heavenly Position’ combat power at her limit, was restrained and had to tread carefully, why would this case be any different?
"It won’t take that long.." Li Xuan’s eyes flashed with a mocking smile. "For over a hundred years, Abbot Weizhen has maintained a balance between the various Zen Sects and the Court by leveraging the power of the Liudao Division, and used his position as Chairman of the Zen Sect to control the three thousand disciples of the Liudao Division, playing the ga of maintaining a balance.
All I need to do now is disrupt his balance, and he won’t be able to carry on. Besides, I’ve never put my hopes on those two. This strike against them serves a different purpose."
Luo Yan stared at him with puzzled eyes. "What exactly is your purpose?"
Li Xuan looked at her hesitate and then shook his head: "I will explain later. The timing is not right. Look, what is this?"
He took out an invitation and waved in front of the two girls.
Luo Yan imdiately took it and looked even more puzzled. "Mo Changsheng? Who is that?"
The content of the invitation was from a man nad Mo Changsheng, inviting Li Xuan to join him for drinks at the Shanwei House in the evening.
"That’s the current Mohist Giant!" Yue Qianqian’s eyes shone brightly. "He is also one of the external elders employed by the Liudao Division."
Luo Yan suddenly understood. "The Mohists are ready to compromise with you?"
"That will be determined after the discussion." Li Xuan chuckled, "Among the Six Dao, only the Mohists are the weakest. By threatening them with power and luring them with benefits, why worry about them not compromising?"
There is also a matter of similar ideals. The Mohist philosophy of "universal love and non-aggression" is rather similar to Zhu Mingyue’s.
The fact that the Mohists advocate for "non-aggression" doesn’t an they are against war, especially when it cos to self-defense.
However, currently, the Mohists are weak and can barely survive under the attacks from the court. They are not willing to lose their last bastion, the Liudao Division.
Therefore, the two Mohist elders are more conservative and cautious in their strategic choices.
Moreover, Mozi has been dead for several thousand years. How much of the Mohists’ "Dao" his descendants can uphold is a question.
The Shenqi Union, because of the ’super electromagnetic cannon,’ has recently received a lot of orders from the Ministry of War. Even a slight share of it would make the Mohist Giant rethink.
Yue Qianqian looked delighted. "If we can secure the two votes of the Mohists, we can secure eight votes in the elder council. Then, if we get one vote from the Legalists, we can at least form a stalemate."
In Yue Qianqian’s view, this would be easy.
Law and Confucianism are one. Today’s Legalists and Confucians are inseparable.
In fact, they already have a significant chance of winning.
As far as she knew, ’Bu Lianhua’, one of the four Buddhist elders, originally ca from Song Mountain. If Li Xuan could persuade the Shaolin Abbot, he might be able to win him over.
At this point, Li Xuan had already mounted his Jade Qilin. "Let’s go! We’re heading back to the Yan."
The Yan he referred to was the Yan of the Central Army Duanshiguan.
Li Xuan now has three offices, and he often goes to the Yan of the Central Army Duanshiguan. The reason is simple: he’s the boss here and nobody supervises him.
Actually, Li Xuan preferred the Liudao Division, but he didn’t like the atmosphere inside the Liudao Division currently, so he even moved so of the affairs of the Shenyi Departnt there.
Just as Li Xuan mounted his horse to go up the imperial road, a party of people slowly approached him. The leader was dressed in a scarlet official robe, with a handso face, a tall figure, and he carried an aura of dignity and severity.
But when Luo Yan saw this man, she turned pale. She instinctively grasped the Hongxiu Knife in her sleeve, and her aura beca icy.
Li Xuan noticed the change in Luo Yan and followed her gaze. Then understanding dawned on him.
"Marquis of Guanjun!"
The Marquis of Guanjun was the equivalent of a duke, holding the first rank. Therefore, the official in the red robe took the initiative to salute, greeting him, "What a coincidence!"
This man’s words were concise and did not hold any sense of familiarity.
Li Xuan returned the greeting with a smile, "Shilang Liu."
The man in front of him was the current Liu Zongquan, the Shilang of the Ministry of Personnel, and also, one of the masterminds behind the corruption case of the Xunjian Yushi, Xia Guangwei, in the past.
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