Chapter 2492: Turbulence Cleared

Yin Guan had already profoundly witnessed the strength of the Jing Dynasty during their encounter on the Ancient Heavenly Road. His relentless pursuit could not fully grasp the vast scope of the Jinghai plan. The means he painstakingly devised were fundamentally incapable of stirring even a ripple on the Heavenly Road.

But the endless ripples could also turn into a heavy downpour.

As long as King Chu Jiang was not immediately executed, there was still an opportunity for everything.

That was all Yin Guan sought.

"I am just looking forward to you," the voice of the divine hero said.

"Forgive me for being direct," Yin Guan said. "Like you looked forward to Bo Lu and Ye Lingxiao?"

"I understand your attitude," the voice of the divine hero said. "However, the rules of the Equality Country are like this — everyone who arrives at the path of equality takes a different route. The Equality Country respects the free will of its members. Only during unified actions must all participants obey the command of the highest responsible person for that action at that time. For the rest of the time, they are free. The Equality Country is a tree leading to the ideal of equality, and on this basis, everyone has their own ideas and means, like branches and leaves growing freely."

Yin Guan's voice said, "You mean to say that in an organization like the Equality Country, the endings of Bo Lu and Ye Lingxiao were their own choices?"

The voice of the divine hero mingled with the waves of the sea. "It may sound absurd, but it is the truth."

"I am not interested in absurd facts," the emerald-colored flame flickered slightly. "Let's continue talking business!"

Instead, the divine hero did not press the matter and went straight to the point. "As you can see, our organization has suffered unprecedented major trauma. At least for me personally, I need the Jing Dynasty to pay a price for this — this is the premise of this business."

"It sounds like the opinions of your organization's three leaders are not consistent," Yin Guan said.

"Which organization have you heard of where the word 'leader' can refer to three completely different people?" The divine hero did not evade. "Because we have never convinced each other, but we know that the ideal is long and reality is heavy, so we have to support each other to walk together. The word 'equality' within the Equality Country originally refers to the equality among the three of us — starting from me, and extending to all sentient beings."

Yin Guan's voice was thoughtful. "Equality begins with the three of you and ends with all beings under heaven?"

The divine hero laughed. "This understanding is also fine."

"Regarding the equality of all beings, I first heard it not from you," Yin Guan's voice said. "Earlier, I researched some materials from the Yiluo clan and saw that someone in history mentioned this kind of ideal."

"Really?" The divine hero asked. "Who was that person?"

Yin Guan said, "People all call Him... the World Honored One!"

"The World Honored One..." Within the divine hero's voice, emotions were inexplicable. "What the World Honored One wanted was for all sentient beings in all heavens and myriad realms to be equal. So He accepted a true dragon as a disciple, so He went to the demon clan to preach. He even tried to ferry the Ancient Mother, and even went to the Demon Realm — and I am different from Him."

"Where are you different?" Yin Guan asked.

"Let's continue talking business!" The voice of the divine hero said. "Let's talk about our cooperation."

"You just talked about the premise of this business," Yin Guan reminded him.

The voice of the divine hero was like the rising sun, always very bright. "If we reach a consensus, then things will be easy to do. If we know each other's needs, then we can grasp the scale of cooperation."

Yin Guan said lightly, "It sounds equal too."

The divine hero said, "It must be said, the vast majority of people who choose to join the Equality Country and oppose the current world order do so because of hatred. This also leads them to be very difficult to be peaceful when doing things. I can say that many people among us who have died were not innocent."

"So I do not have any grand righteous reasons to do things."

"The strength gap between the Equality Country and the Jing Dynasty must also be faced. The fact is that I could not save Li Mao."

"So I do not have any power to destroy heaven and extinguish earth, to change the sun and moon."

"I count as strong, but still far from strong enough."

"Only those people once trusted me and walked with me, yet died because they joined the Equality Country."

"As their leader —"

The divine hero paused. "One of."

His voice in the sea wind, inexplicably seemed distant. "I have to do something good."

"Then continue?" On the reef transformed into an altar, the emerald flame flickered.

A wave crashed over, extinguishing the emerald flame.

The strange altar returned to an ordinary reef.

"Continue."

Zheng Shangming and Bao Xuanjing rode together, returning to Linzi.

Taking advantage of the absence of others, they galloped their horses along the straight road, their joyful voices scattered.

"Xuanjing! You must slow down ahead, you can't gallop your horse into the city!" Looking at the joyful laughter of Bao Xuanjing, who rarely showed his unrestrained nature, Zheng Shangming also temporarily set aside his vigilance against the name Luo Sha Mingyue Jing, and his concern for the situation at sea. He simply galloped wantonly for a while, then spoke to remind him.

"Whoa!" Bao Xuanjing pulled the reins, and the steed reared up, raising its hooves high and neighing.

On this outer road of Linzi, a galloping young master, truly a heroic young man!

He laughed joyfully and said, "Uncle Zheng, we people of the Bao family, how can we not respect road regulations!"

Approaching the city gate of Linzi, he again called "Uncle Zheng" instead of "Uncle Shangming," showing great awareness of avoiding suspicion. Although young, he was very alert. Not only did he have talent, this was truly the fortune of the Bao clan!

Zheng Shangming secretly praised him in his heart, only laughing in his mouth. "I'm afraid you'll get carried away with joy, and some people in the city will love to lecture again!"

As he spoke, a black shadow crossed the air.

The wind howled!

Zheng Shangming leaped out directly, hooking one hand behind him, blocking Bao Xuanjing and his horse behind him. He summoned the official power of the North Yamen's waist token, and the great array of Linzi immediately responded. Instantly, Dao Yuan howled, and divine eyes were like electricity.

Yet it was a person tied with five flowers, who was smashed in front of the horse.

"Brother Weihong!" It was Bao Xuanjing who exclaimed first.

Zheng Shangming also frowned deeply. "Bao Weihong?"

Looking again at the old man who descended from the sky beside Bao Weihong, he felt extremely bewildered. "Bo Changhua!? What is the meaning of this?"

The Silver Yew Bao clan had three "Bo" titles in one generation. Among them, Bo Shuofang was the main lineage, hereditary and never replaced, with a real land and real seal.

The remaining Bo Changhua in politics and Bo Yingyong in military were both honorary titles only, and the title was abolished when the person died.

The eldest Bo Changhua, Bao Zonglin, was of the same generation as Bao Yi, and had never married or had offspring in his life. He retired from office early and returned to seclusion, closing his door to cultivate and seek the truth.

Compared to him, Bo Yingyong Bao Heng, who was one generation younger, was almost the same age as Bao Yi. Until now, he was still struggling within the Ten Thousand Demons Gate, seeking to accumulate merit and pass on his title. On the one hand, he still had personal pursuits, and on the other hand, after all, he had several children and had to plan deeply for them.

Bao Yi's direct sons, Bao Bozhao and Bao Zhongqing, died successively in their prime. If they were an ordinary family, there would inevitably be some commotion.

But what kind of means did Bo Shuofang have? As long as he was in charge for a day, the thieving heart could only forever remain a thieving heart, and would not dare to steal.

And as Bao Xuanjing slowly grew up and began to show his talent, all the lineages became even more silent.

Bo Yingyong's son, Bao Weihong, was known for his striving and had decent talent. Now, Bo Changhua had him tied up and smashed here, what kind of play was he putting on?

Bao Xuanjing hurriedly flipped off his horse and went to support Bao Weihong, but was blocked by Bao Zonglin.

"Great Grandpa!" Bao Xuanjing's small face was full of shock. "Why is it like this?"

Bao Zonglin was quite old, and Bao Yi also respected him greatly. Bao Xuanjing naturally was even more courteous.

"Xuanjing, this is none of your business. You go back to the mansion first." Bao Zonglin's expression was serious. With a wave of his sleeve, he rolled Bao Xuanjing back onto his horse, and then rolled the person and horse towards Linzi. He then said to Zheng Shangming, "Areaw Commandant adult, the Bao clan has an unfilial son. This old man has no face to punish him himself, so he has captured him and come to ask the North Yamen to take trial!"

Since it involved official business, Zheng Shangming could not delay.

He grasped his waist token and looked at Bao Weihong. "I don't know what crime this Bao Weihong... has committed?"

Bao Zonglin's face was solemn. "My Bao clan has accumulated generations of loyalty and goodness, for the country and for the people. As a son of the Bao clan, enjoying the country's grace to the fullest, he actually secretly hid Buddhist scriptures and recited them behind closed doors!"

Zheng Shangming exhaled in relief in his heart.

If Bao Weihong had truly committed some major matter, he would of course handle it impartially, but it would inevitably be difficult to speak in front of Bo Shuofang, affecting the friendship they had just cultivated, and even affecting the tacit understanding regarding the important matter at sea.

"Bo Ye," Zheng Shangming said slowly. "Although our dynasty does not venerate Buddha, it has a mirror of flourishing and decline. But the Holy Emperor is in court, and has never clearly ordered the prohibition of Buddha. In the Eastern Domain, the Suspended Temple exists, and the sound of Zen is bound to reach far. Folk occasionally have incense burning, all from freedom."

He looked at Bao Zonglin. "Even the former Marquis of Wuan practiced Buddhist skills. Reading Buddhist scriptures... cannot be considered a crime."

He did not want to say that Bao Zonglin was making a fuss, nor did he want to inquire about the contradictions between Bo Changhua and Bo Yingyong, and he was unwilling to interfere in the internal disputes of the Bao family. Everything concerning the Bao clan would be handled by Bo Shuofang himself.

But Bao Zonglin said, "Reading Buddhist scriptures is indeed not a big deal, but I discovered that he also had an excessive concern for the rebellious Withered Flourishing Courtyard at the same time! Not only did he seek out historical materials related to the Withered Flourishing Courtyard in multiple directions, but he also personally searched the streets and alleys, exploring old people!"

This old Bo Ye, who had extremely high prestige in court and in the wild, had a trace of lingering fear in his eyes, and his expression was unusually cold and hard. "This old man cannot bear to investigate, and does not dare to investigate. So please ask the North Yamen to question him. No matter what the result, the Bao family will accept it."

As soon as the three words "Withered Flourishing Courtyard" came out, Zheng Shangming was shocked. After listening to Bao Zonglin's speech, he had nothing more to say.

The Withered Flourishing Courtyard public case that year was widespread and had a deep impact, which could be called the first case of Yuanfeng. Before and after, nothing could compare to it.

Later, Gong Loulan's rebellion was all an aftermath of this matter.

No wonder Bao Zonglin was so vigilant. Such a grand fanfare was to clarify things for the Bao family!

If he glossed over it, it would instead be unfavorable to the Bao clan.

Immediately, he lifted the already tied with five flowers and sealed mouth Bao Weihong in his hand, and said solemnly, "The North Yamen will certainly conduct an impartial trial and give the Bao family a convincing explanation."

"This explanation is for Linzi!" Bao Zonglin no longer looked at Bao Weihong, turned around and left.

And Bao Xuanjing, who took three steps and looked back, had already returned to the Bao Shuofang mansion this time.

That demon horse, whose internal organs had been hollowed out, naturally disappeared before returning to the city.

Bao Weihong devoutly believed in Buddhism, blindly followed rumors, and had sympathy for the Withered Flourishing Courtyard.

His crime responsibility was roughly this extent. It would have some impact on Bao Weihong's own future, but not on the Bao family.

At the same time, the matter of Bao Weihong exploring the history of the Withered Flourishing Courtyard could be explained clearly.

Regardless of the current relationship between the Bao family and the Zheng family, or the degree of Bao Weihong's own cleanliness, both could ensure the measure of this case.

Afterward, Bao Weihong idling at home would be more convenient than he was now. Depending on the situation, it could be a one-time solution, or a prodigal son returning.

He was handled very cleanly, just like that demon horse.

"Tinglan. Why were you so agitated today?"

After seeing off the guests, Wen Yanyu sat on a chair and held a cup of tea.

This court discussion doctor, with a floating coronet and a humble temperament, showed a rare seriousness in front of his daughter at this time.

He was asking about Wen Tinglan's sharp scolding in the book building today —

She learned poetry at the age of three and rituals at the age of seven. She had grown up since childhood as a model of a prominent family lady and a virtuous lady of a famous family.

She had never been like this before.

Not once.

Although she quickly adjusted and came out to entertain guests and answer questions, gentle and virtuous as usual.

But Wen Yanyu, as her father, was still a little uneasy.

"If you don't want to say, you don't have to," Wen Yanyu said.

Of course, he would find the answer in his own way.

Wen Tinglan's third grandpa, old imperial doctor Wen Baizhu, was lying in a bamboo chair at the door, his eyes dim, as if he had already fallen asleep.

The Wen family in the spring dusk was always so peaceful and harmonious.

The virtuous smile that always hung on Wen Tinglan's face just disappeared. She also sat towards the chair, but sat well before doing so. She also held a cup of tea, but put it down without drinking.

Two streams of tears flowed down.

She said, "Yan Fu's heart still holds that woman. I know he cannot forget her."

The seriousness on Wen Yanyu's face dissolved.

It was replaced by pity in his eyes.

The depth of parents' love for their children under heaven is difficult to express in words.

He had not let his daughter suffer any grievances, but his daughter was so sad on the day of the male side's proposal that she lost her composure.

"If you don't want to marry, you don't have to," he said.

The Wen family did not necessarily have to be tied to the Yan family through this relative.

But the two families had already called each other relatives for so long, and the two children had also gotten along for so long. Accepting the Yan family's betrothal and then regretting the marriage was not a matter that could be resolved peacefully.

No matter how elegant and generous Yan Xiang was, he would probably not be able to swallow this breath.

But Wen Yanyu did not need his daughter to know how difficult this matter was to bear. He only needed to let Wen Tinglan know — it could be done like this.

His daughter, Wen Yanyu's daughter, would forever have a choice.

"That is precisely the reason for my sadness," Wen Tinglan sat there, tears flowing calmly. "I cannot leave him."

Wen Baizhu at the door dug his ears, got up and walked away.

He thought that Wen Tinglan had been bullied or was uncomfortable somewhere, so he sat here to listen.

Emotional illness may not be curable by medicine.

In the ripples of the star sea, as if smoothed by an invisible hand, they gradually scattered, gradually shallowed, and gradually returned to nothingness.

Ruan Zhou, on the bow of the silver-white small boat, lowered her head, but saw the star river like a mirror, actually reflecting her own face.

"Daddy," she reminded him. "You've been looking for young fish, but you don't see any."

There should be ripples rising in between, indicating a gathering of fish.

She had cultivated this method of "Heavenly Mechanism Tour" since she was young. Of course, it was still not enough to be involved in the heavenly mechanism wars of the Qintian Supervisor Zheng, but practicing was not a problem.

In recent years, the heavenly mechanism had been abnormally obscure in its fluctuations, intermittent, with some direction. Ruan Qu had always been looking for the landing points of those heavenly mechanism lines, and locking onto the ripples in a certain place in the star river... but those ripples had just emptied and cleared.

"Then let's put it aside," Ruan Qu, standing on the observatory with his hands behind his back, did not turn his head. "If we seek again at this time, we will work a myriad times but gain nothing."

He looked at the sky. "We have more important things to do."