82: The Tianmai's proposal! Fan Jian has a kind character!

Chapter 82: The Celestial Vein Holder's Proposal! Fan Jian's Pure Nature!

After the Crown Prince and the Second Prince left, Emperor Qing exclaimed, "Killing Cheng Jushu in the street today was well done!"

"With a major war imminent, executing a Northern Qi assassin in the street can certainly rally the people's morale!"

Li Chang'an replied, "Your Majesty, this precisely shows that the people's will is usable, and it is time to go to war."

Emperor Qing shook his head and said, "It has come to this point; we just need to wait for the Supervisory Council's investigation results."

"When the investigation results are announced to the world, raising an army to attack Qi Country will have a legitimate reason."

"Here is a secret report from the Supervisory Council; take a look."

Li Chang'an took the secret report and realized that Jing Ni had already reported this news to him two days prior.

With a major war with Northern Qi imminent, they were also trying every means to rally their people, and their method was to enthrone a Celestial Vein Holder.

In essence, it involved a ceremony at the Qi Country's temple, where Ku He would bestow a new pair of battle axes upon Haitang Duoduo.

Then they would declare Haitang Duoduo to be the Celestial Vein Holder of the entire world, specializing in combat, invincible below the Grandmaster level!

In the legends of this world, Celestial Vein Holders possess the Bloodline of the heavens, with one particular ability being exceptionally outstanding, capable of driving the progress of the entire society.

Based on Haitang Duoduo's extraordinary martial arts talent, Northern Qi promoted her as a Celestial Vein Holder skilled in combat, thereby rallying their people and resisting the pressure from Southern Qing.

"Your Majesty, Haitang Duoduo is even afraid of aphrodisiacs; what kind of Celestial Vein Holder is she?"

"Does Northern Qi really think that by creating a Celestial Vein Holder, they can defeat Great Qing on the battlefield?"

Emperor Qing also said with a mocking expression, "Northern Qi reveres the temple throughout the country, and this move can indeed boost their morale."

"Their national strength and military power are evident; they are bound to lose this war!

However, with Ku He present, eliminating Northern Qi is also impossible."

Emperor Qing's words revealed a sense of helplessness; indeed, without destroying the Great Grandmasters, the world could not be unified.

"Your Majesty, are you suggesting that I find a way to assassinate this Haitang Duoduo?"

Emperor Qing shook his head and said, "Your people cannot kill her, nor is it necessary."

"I have been pondering how to deal with this matter for a long time."

"Don't they revere Celestial Vein Holders? Then let's pull the rug out from under them and find a true Celestial Vein Holder!"

Li Chang'an had specifically researched Celestial Vein Holders. "Your Majesty, Celestial Vein Holders only exist in legends; no one knows how they come into being."

In fact, the so-called Celestial Vein Holders are individuals chosen by the temple, granted a special skill to promote the progress of human society.

Emperor Qing suddenly laughed, "You're right! No one knows how Celestial Vein Holders come into being, and no one has ever seen a true Celestial Vein Holder."

"Ku He sends two axes and says Haitang Duoduo is a Celestial Vein Holder, and a large number of people in Northern Qi still believe it, don't they?"

"If they can create a Celestial Vein Holder, why can't we!"

"Chang'an, I want to make you the Celestial Vein Holder of the entire world!"

Hearing Emperor Qing's idea, Li Chang'an was somewhat surprised, as this event did not occur in the original story.

It was probably because Northern Qi's literary advantage was no longer obvious, so they had to find a way to create an advantage in soft power, which is why they enthroned Haitang Duoduo as a Celestial Vein Holder.

Seeing Li Chang'an's surprise, Emperor Qing began to proudly explain his thoughts, "Your poetry, calligraphy, and painting are already the best in the world!"

"A Genius like you is rare to see in a hundred years. If Great Qing says you are a Celestial Vein Holder, then you are a Celestial Vein Holder!"

Li Chang'an twitched his lips, "Your Majesty, are you asking me to act as a charlatan and deceive people?"

Hearing Li Chang'an's description, Emperor Qing pointed at Li Chang'an, "You are indeed a Genius, that word 'charlatan' is well used."

"Both the civil and military officials of Great Qing will build momentum for you, and the Supervisory Council will promote you throughout the world. Your talent in poetry, calligraphy, and painting is already evident, so people will have no choice but to believe it."

"What does Haitang Duoduo know? She only knows how to fight. Can fighting make her a Celestial Vein Holder? The problem is, she's not even that good at fighting!"

"At that time, we will say that you are the only Celestial Vein Holder in the world, and Haitang Duoduo is a fake, making the people of Northern Qi lose all hope!"

Li Chang'an pondered carefully and found Emperor Qing's idea feasible. It was simply a matter of killing the heart and pulling the rug out from under them!

Northern Qi most reveres the temple, and rallying its people relies on religious means such as Saintess and Celestial Vein Holder.

To strike at the opponent's strongest and most relied-upon point, destroying their Foundation, was very insightful.

"Now that Your Majesty has said this, I believe this matter is feasible!"

Emperor Qing revealed a cunning smile, like an old fox spotting its prey.

"We will surely win this war against Northern Qi. Afterwards, riding on the momentum of a great victory, we will hold an enfeoffment ceremony for you as well."

After the war, there should be negotiations, and delegations from Northern Qi and Dongyi City will all come.

"Your Majesty, if people from Northern Qi and Dongyi City are also present, it would be even more effective if we could force them to acknowledge it."

Emperor Qing was amazed by Li Chang'an's idea. "Brilliant... I will leave the specific method of enfeoffment for you to devise."

"You must come up with a method to enthrone you as a Celestial Vein Holder that Northern Qi cannot refuse, and that the entire world will believe when it spreads!"

Li Chang'an's face twitched. How did he end up with another task? He couldn't avoid it.

From Emperor Qing's tone, a ceremony like Haitang Duoduo's was too simple; he wanted something more elaborate.

Old man, you really know how to make people work!

"Chang'an, you may return. You don't need to go to the battlefield. During this month or so of war, you can think slowly."

"Once you have some ideas, remember to come and find me!"

Emperor Qing's final words carried a hint of excitement and anticipation.

In fact, he had been pondering for a long time, as rumors of Haitang Duoduo being a Celestial Vein Holder had been circulating for three or four months.

Li Chang'an had to admit that in an era of imperial power where divine right was claimed, Emperor Qing's method was very practical.

As for the specifics of the ceremony, Li Chang'an was not actually troubled.

His mind was filled with stories of shamans, Gu rituals, and charlatans from various dynasties; he could probably use any one of them.

After Li Chang'an left, Eunuch Hou scurried into the Imperial Study.

"Your Majesty, Young Master Fan interrogated the courtesan before the Supervisory Council officially began its investigation."

"The Inner Court's secret agents listened from afar, and he and Zong Zhui seemed to be planning a pursuit, so they should have gained something."

"The Supervisory Council's secret report states that Zhu Ge has already begun pursuing the Northern Qi secret agent Si Lili, nearly a day earlier than Fan Xian."

Emperor Qing said, "If Fan Xian can inquire about Si Lili and even bring her back, then he has some ability."

"You continue to pay attention to Fan Xian's matters tomorrow. Let Fan Jian come in."

After Eunuch Hou retreated, he called in Fan Jian, who had been waiting at the door for over two hours.

As soon as Fan Jian entered, Emperor Qing immediately launched into a tirade.

"Fan Jian! What the hell, where's your brain?!"

"Fan Xian was ambushed as soon as he entered the city, and you didn't even increase his guards!"

"If the Shadow Guard hadn't been near Niulan Street, Fan Xian would have died today!"

Fan Jian, who usually showed little deference to Emperor Qing, immediately knelt down.

"Your Majesty, I deserve ten thousand deaths! It is all my fault; I nearly cost Fan Xian his life!"

"I never would have imagined that someone would dare to assassinate in the capital during the day!"

"The opponent not only used seven experts but also military crossbows; they are truly audacious!"

"Starting this afternoon, I have dispatched two rank eight Tiger Guards to follow and protect Fan Xian from a distance!"

Emperor Qing looked at Fan Jian coldly, "If Fan Xian had died, you wouldn't need to live either... Get up."

Fan Jian was also shocked by the news of Fan Xian's assassination, but more than that, he felt self-reproach.

He did have Tiger Guards at his disposal, but he never expected anyone to go to such great lengths to assassinate Fan Xian.

Emperor Qing glared at him and said, "Tell me, who wants to assassinate Fan Xian?"

Fan Jian thought for a long time but couldn't come up with a clear answer. "It's hard to say right now; I don't have much information."

"Moreover, there are many troublesome matters, and even if I saw it with my own eyes, it might not be the truth. Let's wait for the Supervisory Council's investigation results."

Fan Jian naturally had his suspicions, but without concrete evidence, he dared not speak carelessly. The Emperor Qing before him was no longer the childhood playmate.

Emperor Qing sneered, "Old fox, getting craftier with age."

Fan Jian's heart tightened. His Majesty was truly anxious, even cursing himself.

Outwardly, Fan Jian remained impassive, "I, with a pure nature, do not deserve such a evaluate."

"I already regret it now; I shouldn't have brought him into the capital."

Although Fan Xian was brought into the capital by Fan Jian, it was actually Emperor Qing who planned it behind the scenes; it was not something Fan Jian could decide.

"The capital has always been this capital. It is your own inefficiency and lack of thorough consideration."

"Since you're here, make yourself at home. Be more careful in the future!"

Emperor Qing drew his bow, and a sharp arrow whizzed into the distant armor.

"Guess what, can Fan Xian catch Si Lili?"

"You have managed the Ministry of Revenue for many years, and you are best at calculating and gambling. Do you dare to bet?"

Fan Jian bowed his head and said, "I dare not bet. There are too many variables in this matter; who knows if Si Lili will be silenced."

"Fan Xian has only been in the capital for a little over a month; he's unfamiliar with the place, so it's understandable if he can't catch her."

Emperor Qing narrowed his eyes, somewhat displeased. He wouldn't even dare to bet? Is he looking down on my son?

The two old foxes were well aware that Fan Xian was Emperor Qing's illegitimate son, but neither of them exposed it.

"Catching Si Lili this time is a test; if he can catch her, it shows his ability."

"In a few days, when the Junior Martial Champion comes to court, I will directly appoint him as a Junior Military Officer of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices!"

Emperor Qing had long thought of this low-ranking official of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices for Fan Xian.

If Fan Xian's literary talent was outstanding, he would be appointed Junior Official of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices; if his martial arts were exceptional, he would be appointed Junior Military Officer of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Emperor Qing was anxious; Fan Xian needed to achieve something quickly so he could bestow an official title upon him!

With Southern Qing and Northern Qi on the verge of war, and Fan Xian still a commoner, how could Emperor Qing not be anxious?

Fan Jian said with a worried expression, "Your Majesty, Zhu Ge is the chief investigator of the case. Fan Xian's unauthorized departure from the city to investigate will likely be obstructed by Zhu Ge tomorrow morning."

Regarding this concern, Emperor Qing did not even lift an eyelid. "Get back and figure it out yourself."

Fan Jian could mobilize the Red Cavalry, but mobilizing the Red Cavalry to block the Supervisory Council was an overreach of authority, so he wanted to ask Emperor Qing for a clear decree.

Emperor Qing became even more annoyed. Since it was an overreach of authority, how could I give a clear decree?

If there are mistakes and consequences, of course, the subordinate bears them themselves. Why would they expect their superior to take the blame?

The next morning.

Fan Xian and Zong Zhui were indeed stopped by Zhu Ge, who cited Fan Xian's unauthorized interference in the case.

At the critical moment, Fan Jian appeared with the Red Cavalry, blocking Zhu Ge's men. Zhu Ge knew that the Red Cavalry were elite imperial guards, so he could only let them pass.

Before Chen Pingping left, he had said that unless it was a major matter of rebellion, regicide, or treason, one should not directly conflict with Fan Jian.

Fan Xian and Zong Zhui arrived at the city gate. Zong Zhui inquired with the city gate officials about Si Lili's situation.

Si Lili rode out of the city in plain sight, and not far from the city, seven other female riders dressed similarly to Si Lili appeared.

Afterward, the eight black-clad women rode off on different roads, clearly a move to mislead people.

The two arrived at a dense forest outside the city. Zong Zhui used a slingshot to shoot down a Supervisory Council's homing pigeon.

Zong Zhui's tracking ability was excellent; he was familiar with the Supervisory Council's homing pigeon flight paths and even knew a great deal about pigeon rearing and management.

Fan Xian couldn't help but sigh, if not for Zong Zhui's help, he would have no way to pursue Si Lili.

In the original story, Fan Xian gained fame all the way after entering the city, only encountering setbacks during the Niulan Street assassination.

However, the current Fan Xian has faced continuous difficulties since entering the city, almost losing his life on Niulan Street.

Therefore, he began to think more deeply about things he encountered.

He still didn't understand why Zong Zhui was so loyal to him.

He wouldn't accept money, and when offered alcohol, he said drinking would affect his Qing Gong speed.

So Fan Xian guessed that Zong Zhui must have been entrusted by someone, likely his teacher, Fei Jie.

"Sir, please see, this is news from the Supervisory Council. Zhu Ge has already mobilized secret agents from various regions to begin the pursuit of Si Lili."

"Si Lili split into eight groups. The Supervisory Council is already surrounding and intercepting them in various places. We only have two people; we can't pursue all eight routes."

Zong Zhui then took out a map of the world's mountains and rivers and began to point out Si Lili's escape direction.

Fan Xian couldn't help but exclaim, "Zong Zhui, is this a map from the Supervisory Council? It's drawn so well."

After hearing the compliment, Zong Zhui looked proud. "I am most skilled in geomancy. All the maps in the entire council are copied from my maps."

Fan Xian frowned and said, "I don't trust Zhu Ge. We must interrogate Si Lili first!"

Zong Zhui suggested, "The best way now is to catch Si Lili in the council and then intercept her midway with the Director's token."

Although Fan Xian felt something was wrong, he couldn't think of a better idea for a while, so he proceeded with this plan.

The two ran for a few miles, then Fan Xian stopped. "Zong Zhui, something's not right!"

"If Si Lili wanted to escape, why would she split into so many groups, and all heading north?"

"She is making such a big show, intending to attract attention and draw everyone's focus to the north."

"If I were her, now would be the best time for her to disappear without a trace and secretly escape!"

Zong Zhui stroked his beard, deep in thought. "Now that a major war is imminent in the north, the northern passes and important towns must be heavily guarded."

"Therefore, her true escape direction might not be north!"

Fan Xian then asked, "Zong Zhui, besides going north, what other routes are there from the capital to Northern Qi?"

The two opened the map, and Zong Zhui pointed to Danzhou, where Fan Xian had grown up.

"Sir, this route is the most feasible! From the capital, head east, enter Dongshan Road, board a ship at the harbor in Danzhou City, and then escape to Northern Qi by water."

Fan Xian carefully examined the map and found that only the route from the east gate of the capital to Danzhou Port was most feasible.

"Zong Zhui, there's no time to lose; we must pursue immediately!"

"If I'm wrong, we can still turn back and intercept the people from the council; there's still time!"