Cultivation: Fortune by Lots

Crown Prince Zhang Hui did not respond this time.

Shangguan Zhengqing was speaking on behalf of Zhang Qiongrong.

The focus shifted to the Empress’s decisions since her enthronement, favoring ordinary citizens over the noble royal family.

Although the Scholarly Mansion seemed to have only a few establishments presently, such measures have never been just about a few mansions, because they involve prestigious Confucian families, causing intense contests and drawing attention.

On the surface, the military appeared calm, but beneath, undercurrents were stirring.

A large number of ordinary Han Family’s offspring entering the Great Tang Divine Strategy Army posed immense challenges to the nobility and even the Zhang Tang Imperial Clan.

"His Majesty has a mind to widely welcome talents from all over the world, which is naturally good. With many years of good governance, there will be gains." King Zhang Yang of Chen Mountain said slowly.

Zhang Qiongrong, however, said: "His Majesty has been enthroned for nearly forty cycles of Spring and Autumn. To ordinary people, it may not be short, but to cultivators, it is still too brief.

A large amount of state treasury and Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures are expended, but in a short period, scale and returns are hard to see. Although a few have emerged, the quantity is still too little.

But if all these were invested in places with an existing foundation, forty years would suffice to see effects.

Now, with great tides moving, Nine Heavens and Ten Earths returning, and even other mortal realms existing, it is indeed a troublesome era. Our Great Tang must accumulate and strengthen to withstand the surrounding storms.

But now, we are stretched, swaying in the wind and rain!

If the kingdom faces peril, how do we face the Founding Emperor, Taizong, Gaozong Emperor, and the former emperors, how do we face our ancestors?"

Crown Prince Zhang Hui did not echo them.

But neither did he interrupt or reprimand the speaker.

To Zhang Yang and Zhang Qiongrong, this already indicated a stance.

Fang Zhu, Chu Pu, and Ye Song sat without speaking, merely listening quietly.

Upon eye contact with Shangguan Zhengqing, both parties nodded slightly.

Today marked the first occasion the Zhang Tang Royal Family was speaking so plainly before these noble families’ offspring.

This was also a form of statement.

"Now is the time to overcome difficulties together."

Crown Prince Zhang Hui finally spoke: "His Majesty wages war personally, the court should remain stable so as to prevent any worries on the front lines. The foreign invasion endangers our territory and is a threat to all sides of our Great Tang. The immediate priority is to resist the marauding invaders."

While speaking, an urgent report from the front line suddenly arrived.

Zhang Hui read it for a long time without speaking.

After a moment, he passed the report for everyone to read.

The hall suddenly quieted down.

The content of the report concerned changes related to Yunzhou.

Ye Song and Chu Pu exchanged a glance.

Consistently silent, Fang Zhu spoke for the first time, his words more straightforward: "This is why Uncle Nine and the three senior figures of Cangzhou, Qingzhou, and Suzhou have never gathered together."

Ye Song and Chu Pu remained silent.

In truth, even then, it is likely that they underestimated Her Majesty, thinking she only possessed such capabilities in the Imperial Capital, Luoyang.

Princess Chang of Dongping Zhang Qiongrong’s mind had already regained composure: "In the path of cultivation, today’s Majesty is a stunning talent, surpassing the former emperor, yet her various governance measures still warrant discussion.

She is no different from the previous Celestial Master, Master Tang, acting capriciously, foolishly, and recklessly.

It’s exactly because they made one false move, forcing the Vajra Division into revolt, turning a great ally into a threat.

One move forward, one move back, it’s more than self-harm."

King Zhang Yang of Chen Mountain then said: "While Master Tang’s actions are open to discussion, her abdication in favor of the contemporary Celestial Master, Xuanxiao Zi of Dragon Tiger Mountain, and her subsequent role as protector for the Taoist Sect is still commendable."

Zhang Qiongrong nodded lightly.

Fang Zhu then looked at Crown Prince Zhang Hui.

This was the most critical point of today’s meeting.

Ye Song spoke softly: "Her Majesty’s decisions are unilateral, her thoughts not necessarily aligning with Master Tang of Celestial Master Mansion."

He paused, then looked towards Zhang Yang, Zhang Qiongrong, and Shangguan Zhengqing: "...If not so, there wouldn’t be a need to start anew and cultivate new noble families."

Old Prince Zhang Yang then gazed at Crown Prince Zhang Hui: "Ultimately, the Great Tang Kingdom should carry the Zhang family name."

Zhang Hui reiterated his earlier words: "The immediate priority is to resist the foreign marauding invaders."

All present responded: "Your Highness is absolutely right."

The Solitary Eagle Khanate and the Vajra Division remain a formidable enemy.

The beginning of the battle in Yunzhou was somewhat unexpected.

But the outcome of this battle will determine the future direction of numerous affairs.

......

Lei Jun stood at the boundary of Yunzhou and Jinzhou, looking at the White Light Rivers and Mountains in front of him, equally surprised.

Empress Zhang Wantong was extraordinarily powerful, something he had anticipated.

Yet the current maneuver still amazed him.

With Lei Jun’s current cultivation realm, insight, and comprehension, he could see that the Empress’s methods could cover such a vast area, not only supported by the nation’s fortune but also from her unique mastery.

Observing this... it somewhat resembled Meng Shaojie’s historical study, yet her cultivation realm and supernatural powers far surpassed Meng Shaojie’s current level.

Her background is Confucian.

But speaking bluntly, this scene was like a beast cage.

And according to the current information, not many cultivators trapped inside from Great Tang, only a relatively small number who didn’t evacuate in time from Yunzhou left.

Meanwhile, many experts from the Solitary Eagle Khanate were present.

Solitary Eagle Khan Harigel with a perfected Immortal body of the Ninth Heavenly Layer.

High monk Jiasheng Upper Master with the Dharma Body of the Ninth Heavenly Layer.

Bomo Ge, a Martial Saint of the Nine Heavens.

There were also the two Great Demons, Azure Sky Divine Eagle and Snow Country Bear King.

The entire invading army of heavy cavalry warriors, along with a significant number of light cavalry, body refinement, and martial warriors, were all inside.

The current Majesty indeed wouldn’t strike unless she surprised everyone.

Lei Jun hadn’t interacted much with the Empress, yet based on past impressions, he doubted that she would create such an environment aiming to sacrifice herself to delay the enemy’s advance.

Having already attained perfection at the Ninth Heavenly Layer, and bearing the Great Tang’s mountain and river’s vitality.

So, the current situation...

Lei Jun slightly shook his head, not trying to touch the White Light Rivers and Mountains from the outside.

But he didn’t leave immediately either.

Until now, one crucial character had still not appeared.

Vajra Sect Leader, Garuda.

A Buddhist Sect expert with a perfected Dharma Body of the Ninth Heavenly Layer, one step away from achieving the Buddha Body, vastly different in significance from Jiasheng Upper Master.

If anyone could break the balance from outside Yunzhou, it would be him.

If he doesn’t come here, then the Vajra Sect Leader’s current location...

Lei Jun pondered as he looked westward.