Cyber ​​Daming

Chapter 637: Fengyue Town Human World

"I've heard before that Pei Xingjian had a favorite student in Chengdu Prefecture. Now that I see you, you really are somewhat similar to him back then, both of you are sharp-tongued. However, I've heard countless people say countless times throughout my life that people are the most important thing, but when it comes to putting it into practice, few people can really do it."

The old man asked calmly: "Since you are saying the same thing now, then I will ask you. In the current situation, if we don't make a choice and eliminate the big trouble to stop the small chaos, how can we protect these people?"

"First inside, then outside, use defense as offense!"

Yang Bai Ze drooped his eyelids and kept rubbing the left palm of his hand with his right hand.

The old man frowned slightly when he heard this: "You mean you want to attack these powerful families first? How are you going to attack them?"

"As you just said, sir, if anyone wants to ask about ghosts and gods, we should send him to see them first."

The boy answered without hesitation, his words chilling.

The old man asked back, "We are facing a powerful enemy right now, but instead of thinking about how to deal with it, you are throwing yourself into disarray?"

"Confucianism depends on the country for its survival. When the country is strong, Confucianism flourishes. Now that the Ming Dynasty is about to fall, Confucianism is also in a state of illness. Instead of looking back and forth and struggling to survive, it is better to make a decisive move and cut off this rotten and smelly flesh. Only by cutting the Gordian knot can we seize the time to restore our health!"

Yang Bai Ze said in a deep voice: "If we don't eliminate these internal hidden dangers first, when the war breaks out, Ruxu will inevitably fall into a difficult situation of being attacked from both inside and outside, and the chances of winning are slim!"

"Little guy, do you look down on these people of the same order?"

The old man's eyes were empty and his gaze was deep, making it impossible to tell what he was feeling.

"It's not that I look down on you, but that I can see clearly. Because I can see clearly, I look down on you."

Yang Bai Ze said coldly: "Those who are righteous are mostly butchers, and those who are ruthless are mostly scholars. There is no point in covering up things that everyone knows."

The old man said nothing and put his hands crossed in his sleeves.

"Scholars are not only ruthless, but also fickle. It's not difficult to pick up a knife or an axe, but it's difficult to distinguish between loyalty and treachery. Can you tell who should be killed and who should not be killed? If you can't grasp this point, the result will not be cutting flesh, but self-destruction, do you understand?"

"There is no need for me to figure it out. There are people ready to do it right now."

"Who?"

Yang Bai Ze's face was tense, and he spoke word by word: "Hong Hu."

The old man laughed: "You are trying to force them to take sides."

"Scholars are not only fickle, but also cherish their lives. But you are wrong about one thing, sir. These aristocratic families have no right to take sides. They should always stand on the side of the people. Only then can they be called Confucian scholars. Now we are only giving them another chance to repent. If they still refuse to change their ways, they will only be thieves."

Yang Bai Ze's voice was cold and hard, and one could hear a hint of nervousness: "To deal with traitors, we must use thunderbolt methods!"

"Not too old, but full of murderous intent."

The old man said softly: "Showing off one's edge is not the character a minister should have."

Yang Bai Ze sensed that there was something behind the other party's words, but before he could think about it, an answer jumped out of his bones at this moment and blurted out.

"Scholars are subjects of the people, not subjects of the ruler."

"If there is no monarch, then who are the scholars?"

"If there are no people, how can there be a king?"

The clear voice chased after the old voice.

During the question and answer session, Yang Bai Ze actually broke out in a sweat in this freezing cold weather, his face flushed, and he stared at the other person intently.

He didn't notice the men in black who were guarding the old man at all, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"What a sharp-tongued and daring boy! He really doesn't give me any respect at all."

The old man smiled jokingly and then asked, "Okay, let's continue with your thoughts. If we want to dismantle the clan first, how should Longhushan respond? Or do you think Zhang Xiji will choose to stand aside and watch?"

"The problems we face are the same as those faced by Longhu Mountain, and they are even more serious than ours!"

Yang Bai Ze's eyes sparkled as he said loudly, "The so-called Dragon and Tiger Dao Kingdom is now nothing more than an empty shell with a name but no substance. Among the 'Four Mountains and One Palace' that were forcibly gathered together, the disciples are angry because the headmaster died. Those who are willing to live are harboring evil intentions. The basis of its maintenance is nothing more than the temporary fear of the people and Zhang Xiji's personal strong military force. It seems powerful and prosperous, but in fact it is shaky."

The old man nodded. "That makes some sense. Go on."

"In addition to the lack of unity among the people, the 'geographical advantage' is also a difficult problem that Longhushan needs to deal with urgently."

Yang Bai Ze said with contempt, "There is only one Gezhao Mountain in Jiangxi Province that is in the same province as Longhu Mountain. The other Daoxu bases are not connected to Longhu Mountain, his old nest, but are just enclaves."

"If this Zhang Tianshi is not stupid, he will definitely give up those distant bases and relocate the Taoists and property there to prevent them from being defeated one by one. So in the final analysis, Longhu Mountain is still Longhu Mountain, it just has a bluffing name. As long as Zhang Xiji dies, this damn Taoist country will immediately fall apart."

"Well, keep talking."

Yang Bai Ze said solemnly: "So now the confrontation between Confucianism and Taoism seems to be on the verge of breaking out, but it is just everyone expressing their attitudes and positions. In fact, no one dares to act rashly. We are all covered with lice. The key is to see who cleans up his house first, and who will have the upper hand!"

The old man smiled and said jokingly: "I didn't realize that you know our Great Protector of the Nation very well."

"In fact, you have already seen through everything and have a good grasp of the matter. I am just showing off my skills here."

Yang Bai Ze said respectfully: "If it weren't for you, the powerful Longhu Mountain wouldn't have been hit hard, and Zhang Xiji wouldn't have been lurking for so many years and only came out to cause trouble now."

“Haha, although I am also willing to listen to the flattery of a young talent like you, I really don’t have the face to steal this credit. Zhang Xiji didn’t lose to me, but to Wudang Mountain. I just followed behind and picked up a big advantage.”

"I just heard you say that once Zhang Xiji dies, Longhu Mountain will be torn apart."

The old man suddenly changed the subject and asked in a slightly desolate tone, "If I die one day, do you think Ruxu will follow in the footsteps of Longhushan, or will it remain safe and sound?"

Yang Bai Ze didn't understand why the other party suddenly asked this. He lowered his head and pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "People can die, but their wills will not die. The mountains and rivers will bury their bones, and their names will be recorded in history. Whether the Confucian order is in chaos or stability is not important at all."

"Hearing what you said, I think this old man should still have a good ending."

The old man smiled and continued, "But you still underestimate Zhang Xiji. He won't be alone."

Yang Bai Ze's heart suddenly trembled, and he asked anxiously: "Are you referring to the East Palace?"

"This old Taoist priest has died once before. If no one supported him, he would probably still be hiding inside his son's body, trembling in fear. How could he have the courage to yell in front of me?"

The old man's tone was calm, but there was a sense of rightful arrogance emanating from him.

Yang Bai Ze frowned slowly. In his imagination, he had considered the possibility that Longhu Mountain would cooperate with Donghuang Palace.

But in his opinion, it should be after the two families have fought for several rounds, with each winning and losing, or even Longhu Mountain suffering a loss and falling into a disadvantage, that the East Palace will have a chance to take action.

After all, the most advantageous option for the East Emperor Palace now is to sit on the mountain and watch the fight between two tigers, fish in troubled waters, and wait for an opportunity to act.

But now it seems that the East Palace has clearly colluded with Longhu Mountain.

Ruxu's current situation is far more difficult than Yang Baize himself had estimated.

"Do you suddenly feel that the chances of winning are slim?"

The old man smiled and said, "After all, if you count it this way, Ruxu is outnumbered and outnumbered, and we are enemies everywhere."

"It's not Ruxu, it's you who are supporting the entire empire alone and fighting against the enemies all around."

Yang Bai Ze clasped his hands together and said from the bottom of his heart, "My Lord, you have worked so hard."

"Yes, this kid is indeed better than Pei Xingjian. At least that old bastard doesn't feel sorry for me. He will just say with confidence that this is what I should do."

The old man laughed out loud, which was a rare occurrence, and smiled at the men in black around him.

"People today may not understand what you do, but future generations will understand it sooner or later." The square-faced man in the lead spoke in a deep voice with a serious expression.

"By the time that day comes, I will have already turned into a handful of dirt. It doesn't matter whether you understand it or not."

The old man turned his eyes to Yang Bai Ze and asked, "There are swords outside and poisonous sores inside. Do you still want to stick to your idea now?"

"My humble opinion remains unchanged!"

The old man looked a little surprised and asked, "Why?"

"The old hatred between the East Palace and Longhu Mountain is huge. Zhang Xiji was the leader who persecuted Yin Yang Order back then. Even if the two families are forced to join forces due to the current situation, there must be resentment between them. They are wary of each other and are even secretly planning how to kill each other. Therefore, I believe that the current balance will not be easily broken, and we still have time to deal with internal troubles."

"Have you considered the risks of dealing with internal troubles? If you fail to strike the right balance and force these powerful families to rebel together..."

The old man said calmly: "When internal and external troubles erupt at the same time, the situation will be irreversible."

"The transcendent status of the head of the three religions of Confucianism is just a beautiful bubble that will burst if poked by someone!"

The young man stood with his back straight and his head held high, his eyes showing determination, and he was unstoppable.

"Going forward may only result in loss, but retreating will definitely lead to death! There are many obstacles and obstacles, and we have to move forward. There is no other way!"

"When a young tiger roars in the valley, all the beasts will be terrified. It's a good thing that you have such courage, but the battle of sequence is not a fight in the martial arts world. What's important is not ruthlessness, but stability. Because if you make a wrong move, the result may require the lives of thousands of people to fill the gap."

"If you want to fight, you can't be sure of winning."

Yang Bai Ze said word by word: "When things get extremely difficult, you need to be bold. One general's success is the result of the sacrifice of thousands of soldiers!"

"So you want to step on countless bones to achieve your own unparalleled achievements?"

There was a sudden chill in the old man's words, but the young man in front of him shook his head and chuckled.

"My Lord, you underestimate me, Yang Bai Ze. I am willing to pave the way for you, rather than be a proud victor!"

"What a willing bone."

The old man raised his voice and asked sternly: "What will you do if I still don't want to accept your suggestion?"

Yang Bai Ze looked calm: "I remain unchanged. I will do my best to fulfill my duties and protect the people of Huating."

"Are you really that stubborn?"

"To answer your Excellency, this is not stubbornness."

Yang Bai Ze held his head high, his pair of dark eyes seemed like the quiet night sky when the Yang family in Mianzhou County was destroyed.

"This is exactly the book I read and the path I take."

It was late at night and very cold. Yang Bai Ze spoke his mind freely and slowly let out a long breath of white air.

Whether it was thunderous rage or contemptuous ridicule, he could face it calmly.

"After Liu Jinxun came back from the foreign land, I met him. During that conversation, the sentence he said the most was that there is still hope for Confucianism. I thought he was just praising Zhang Siyuan in a roundabout way. But now it seems that he sees this aspect more clearly than I do."

The old man smiled and said, "Yang Bai Ze, since you are not afraid of life and death and are willing to be a skeleton, then I would like to ask you, are you willing to be my ghostwriter for once?"

Yang Bai Ze did not hesitate at all. He cupped his hands together, clasped his fists, exhaled, and began to speak.

"The Magistrate of Huating County, Songjiang Prefecture, Nanzhili, Ming Empire, Yang Baize, respectfully obeys the order of the Prime Minister Zhang."

"it is good!"

Zhang Fengyue nodded and changed the subject: "Since you are ghostwriting, why don't you ask me where the knife is?"

"Your words are the knife."

"You can't kill someone with just your mouth. I won't ask you to do it without any words. If Pei Xingjian finds out, he won't let me go. That old man's scolding is really nasty."

Zhang Fengyue pointed at the men in black beside him and chuckled, "I'll leave these magic swords to you. As for how to use them, you should know."

Yang Bai Ze's eyes flashed with horror, and he finally had the energy to look at the three silent and cold men.

"Do you also think that the legal order in the empire has been wiped out by me long ago?" Zhang Fengyue noticed his loss of composure and couldn't help but joked.

"The world's people are ignorant and not worth talking about."

The square-faced man in the lead took a step forward and bowed to Yang Bai Ze: "I am the chief of the three punishments of law, Shang Lu, and I am honored to meet you, Lord Yang."

"Mr. Shang, you are too polite. Just call me Yang Baize."

Yang Bai Ze swallowed unnaturally and waved at the other party.

When facing Zhang Fengyue, Yang Bai Ze felt like he was on the edge of an abyss. Even if he tried his best, he could not see the bottom.

This fear is not strong at the beginning, but it will linger in your heart until you suddenly recall it one day and feel terrified when you think about it carefully.

By the time I suddenly realized it, it was too late to turn back and I could only allow myself to be swallowed by the abyss.

But the man named Shang Lu standing in front of him was like an extremely sharp knife pointing at Yang Bai Ze's eyebrows.

It seemed that if he made the slightest movement, his head would be split open and he would die on the spot.

This is the innate fear of the Confucian order towards the legal order. It is deeply rooted in the genes and cannot be suppressed by willpower alone.

Shang Lu seemed to notice that Yang Bai Ze's face was gradually turning pale. After nodding in greeting, he stepped back and stood behind Zhang Fengyue.

The fear of facing the natural enemy finally faded away. Yang Bai Ze took a deep breath, looked at Zhang Fengyue and asked, "Where do you want me to start, sir?"

"It's better to be here than to choose a place. Let's start from here."

Zhang Fengyue said calmly: "It's time to clean up Nanzhili. Otherwise, it's a nest of snakes and rats, and I can't stay here any longer."

"In half a month, I will make sure the Xu family gets what they deserve!"

“It’s what he deserves.”

Zhang Fengyue repeated the four words in a low voice, suddenly took a step forward and walked past Yang Bai Ze who was bowing to receive the order.

The ashes covering the fire were carried by the rising and falling footsteps, flying and floating, slowly falling onto the old man's white hair.

He reached out and took off the cloak from his shoulders, and covered the unrecognizable charred corpse with it.

"You're right, they should get what they deserve."

Zhang Fengyue muttered to himself, straightened his back, and raised his eyes to the sky.

I saw a dazzling star hanging high in the dark night.

"Don't be anxious, everyone. Now that you are all at the table, let's take it slow. Let's see whether you get what you deserve in the end, or whether I deserve to die."

A dark cloud just in time came and blocked the starlight and the moonlight.

It was as if the gods in heaven did not dare to look the old man in the eye.

"A bunch of cowardly thugs."

(End of this chapter)