Imperial Cultivation-Chapter 59 - 57 Resentment

59: Chapter 57 Resentment

59 -57 Resentment

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Chu Zhitian approached with a smile, “Hey, Fourth Brother.”

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, “What advice does Ninth Brother have?”

Chu Zhitian said, “The girl from the Duke An Mansion is truly remarkable, Fourth Brother, you better act fast before someone else beats you to it.

This girl from Duke An Mansion is quite exceptional.

If it weren’t for Duke An’s high standards, she would have been married off long ago.”

“Ninth Brother, have you met Miss Xiao?”

“I haven’t, but Father, Mother, and Sister have all met her once.

They all say she is a rare good match.”

Chu Zhiyuan raised his sword-like brows.

Chu Zhichuan came over, “I’ve also heard from Mother that Miss Xiao is gentle and gracious, managing the Duke An Mansion with great skill.”

“Ninth Brother, Tenth Brother, are you both betrothed?”

Chu Zhichuan said, “The engagement was made three years ago.”

Chu Zhitian chuckled, “Tenth Brother’s wife is the third Miss from Duke Shou Mansion.

I’ve seen her; she suits Tenth Brother well.”

“And who is your wife, Ninth Brother?”

“Ninth Brother’s wife is the youngest daughter of Minister Weng from the Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs,” said Chu Zhichuan.

“Hey, I’ve also seen her.

In the future, Ninth Brother will be well managed.”

“Nonsense!”

“Ninth Brother, I’m not speaking nonsense.

Your wife is evidently well-educated and wise, from a family of literary tradition.

How can you ever argue with her?”

“Your sister-in-law is very virtuous!” Chu Zhitian’s face was full of sweetness.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and looked at Chu Zhiyao, “And what about Third Brother?”

“Me—?” Chu Zhiyao sighed, “The Second Daughter of Duke Kang Mansion.”

Chu Zhiyuan raised his sword-like brows again.

Chu Zhiyao seemed dissatisfied.

“Sigh—!” Chu Zhiyao shook his head, “She is fine, it’s just her older brother…”

Chu Zhiyuan quickly interrupted him, smiling, “Let’s talk about something happy today, when does the play start?”

It was clear that Chu Zhiyao was dissatisfied with his future brother-in-law.

This is a family matter, and even wise officials find it hard to resolve family affairs; it’s best not to listen, as it often involves privacy and you might end up in an awkward position.

Chu Zhiyao also stopped himself, put on a smile, “In about another hour, we should enjoy plenty of food and drink first.”

“Your Lordship Eighteen…” came a cheerful voice from outside.

Chu Mingxuan raised his voice, “Come in.”

The thick woolen curtain was lifted, revealing two young men in the cold air, robust in stature, wearing luxurious brocade robes, with honest smiles on their faces.

At a glance, Chu Zhiyuan could tell they were from the military.

Despite their honest smiles, their eyes were sharp, exuding a sword-like aura.

Clearly, they were trying hard to lower themselves and show humility in front of everyone.

However, their inherent pride was not easily suppressed.

“Old Hu, Old Song!” Chu Zhiyao immediately stood up with a smile, waving, “Come, come, let me introduce you.”

He pointed at the two men, introducing them to everyone, “My colleagues and good brothers, Hu Gensheng, Song Wantian, both Guerrilla Generals with great achievements, finally standing out.

This time return to be Deputy Generals in the Infantry Office.”

The two bowed with cupped hands in salute again.

Out of respect for Chu Zhiyao, the Princes and Princely Heirs, though not particularly regarding them highly, still returned the salute with happy smiles.

The two lifted their wine cups, “We brothers offer a toast to the General, thanking you for your care and saving our lives.”

“No need for such things,” Chu Zhiyao smiled, raised his wine cup, and drank with them.

Afterward, the two also raised their wine cups to toast everyone.

Everyone graciously drank.

With tact, the two took their leave.

Chu Zhiyuan had been observing them with Insight, finding their aura steady, True Qi vigorous; they seemed to have already broken through the first layer of Jade Tower.

At such an age, with such cultivation, they could be considered martial prodigies.

No wonder they could achieve such military success to become Guerrilla Generals.

As Guerrilla Generals are Third Grade military officers, the number of soldiers they command can vary.

Unless it’s a sinecure for nobles like Princes or Marquis, usually they command around a thousand soldiers, quite rare in the military.

Once the two left, Chu Zhiyao said with a smile, “Hu Gensheng and Song Wantian are both brave and smart, with unlimited potential.”

Chu Mingxuan glanced at him sideways, “They joined the Infantry Office with your help, didn’t they?”

Chu Zhiyao nodded, “Their personalities are more suited for civil service, and just fighting relentlessly in the Border Army would be a waste.

Better they serve the Court in the Infantry Office.”

“You ah…” Chu Mingxuan shook his head, “Be careful, I bet the Imperial Censors won’t miss this opportunity.”

Imperial Censors are most sensitive to officials’ promotions.

They are most intolerant of outside influence on official appointments and promotions.

Whether it’s a court official or a royal, if anyone dares to intervene, the slightest hint of interference will ignite their collective opposition.

If this news leaks, reports of impeachment will likely flood Father’s Dragon Desk like snowflakes.

Chu Zhiyao said, “In this matter, I’m confident and have no guilt!”

Chu Mingxuan snorted, “Your own conscience doesn’t matter, what really matters is how others see it; they don’t care if you feel guilty or not!”

Chu Zhiyuan mediated again, laughing, “Alright, Uncle Eighteen, this is a joyous day, let’s talk about something happy.”

“Exactly, exactly.” Chu Zhitian and Chu Zhichuan echoed.

So, everyone raised their cups again, laughing and chatting loudly.

Very soon, the topic turned to the Da Zhen Mission.

“It will arrive in five days,” Chu Zhitian put down his cup, his expression serious.

The excitement on everyone’s face gradually faded.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became heavy.

Chu Mingxuan and the others directed their gaze at Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “I’ll do my best, and leave victory or defeat to fate.”

Chu Mingxuan said, “Fourth Brother, you have no problem.

You’ve even defeated a Grandmaster, let alone that Cheng Tianfeng who isn’t a Grandmaster yet.”

Everyone’s spirits were immediately lifted and they laughed again.

They have indeed witnessed Chu Zhiyuan injure a Grandmaster and gain two Grandmasters as guards.

How could he possibly lose to Cheng Tianfeng, who’s just an Innate Master?

As they were talking, a voice came from outside again, “Your Lordship Eighteen, here we come.”

Upon hearing the voice, Chu Mingxuan instructed helplessly, “Hurry in!”

Through the curtain came a handsome young man, with two equally handsome young men behind him, standing like three elegant trees swaying in the wind.

After centuries of passing, through dozens of generations of refinement, Princes and Princely Heirs are rarely plain-looking, usually handsome or beautiful, rarely ordinary, let alone ugly.

And these three handsome young men were remarkable, not only in looks but also in spirit and vigor, exuding an indescribable aura.

The leading young man, with a frivolous demeanor, cupped his hands and laughed, “Your Lordship Eighteen, we’re here to toast you.”

“Ye Baichao, enough with your act, I don’t want to see you!”

“Your Lordship Eighteen, I managed to get a good jug of wine for you, I was going to send it to your mansion.”

“…You scoundrel!” Chu Mingxuan pointed at him in exasperation, “Quickly, drink a cup and leave!”

He turned to Chu Zhiyuan, “This is Ye Baichao, the second in command of Duke Shou Mansion, and that’s Ye Baichuan, my childhood playmates, also Tenth Brother’s brother-in-law.”

Chu Zhichuan smiled slightly.

Yet it seemed Ye Baichao and Ye Baichuan didn’t have any intention to greet Chu Zhichuan, as if they didn’t notice him.

They directly looked at Chu Zhiyuan, smiling and cupping their hands, “Greetings to Fourth Princely Heir; I’ve long heard of your great name and finally get to meet you in person, what an honor!”

Chu Zhiyuan sensed their carefree attitude, seemingly not taking the Princes and Princely Heirs seriously, not the slightest bit respectful.

Playing and hanging out together day by day naturally takes away the charm, making them feel Princes and Princely Heirs are just ordinary people with emotions and desires.

Moreover, Duke Shou is also a hereditary duke.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Chu Zhiyuan smiled, his eyes falling on the proud and unmannered handsome youth behind them.

Chu Mingxuan snorted, “Song Tianhai, who are you giving attitude to?”

Chu Zhiyuan raised his sword-like brows.

Song Tianhai, the legitimate eldest son of Duke Kang, is rumored to be highly gifted, also in the military, with potential to become the next Prince Ying.

However, many have the potential to become Prince Ying, but in the end, there is only one Prince Ying.

Song Tianhai unwillingly cupped his hands, “Greetings to Your Lordship Eighteen.”

His gaze swept towards Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled at him.

He could feel Song Tianhai’s hostility, finding it inexplicable.

This hostility should not be directed towards himself, but towards Chu Zhiyao, right?

Chu Zhiyao had already pulled a long face, glaring coldly at Song Tianhai.

“Are you here to see me or to see the Third Brother?” Chu Mingxuan chuckled, “Are you looking of your own accord or for someone else?”

“Your Lordship Eighteen!” Song Tianhai said coldly, “Mind your words!”

“Oh, Song Tianhai, your temper has grown!” Chu Mingxuan said with a smile, “This temper, is it directed at me or someone else?”

Chuckles sounded continuously.

Everyone had a look of watching a good show, their eyes shifting between Song Tianhai and Chu Zhiyao.