It's not the system's fault for being too OP, it's just that Uncle gave too much

The medicinal soup, brewed from restorative ingredients such as lingzhi and ginseng, was soon ready. After consuming it, Zhu Youning felt boundless energy, his spirits lifted, and his body grew even stronger.

[ Ding! Because you consumed Century-Old Fire Ganoderma, your martial art: Tiger Roar Art has completed its automatic cultivation ahead of schedule. Proficiency has increased. ]

[ You have gained 1 cultivation wave! ]

[ Ding! Because you consumed Century-Old Fire Ganoderma, your martial art: Dragon-Snake Spear Technique has completed its automatic cultivation. Proficiency has increased. ]

[ Your martial art, Dragon-Snake Spear Technique, has successfully evolved its sixth form: Wind and Cloud Color Change. ]

[ You have gained 1 cultivation wave! ]

[ Ding! Because you consumed Century-Old Fire Ganoderma, your martial art: Cold Heart Art has completed its automatic cultivation ahead of schedule. Proficiency has increased. ]

[ You have gained 1 cultivation wave! ]

[ Ding! Because you consumed Century-Old Fire Ganoderma, your martial art: Nine Yin: Healing Chapter has completed its automatic cultivation. Proficiency has increased. ]

[ You have gained 1 cultivation wave! ]

[ Ding! Because you consumed Century-Old Mountain Ginseng, your martial art: Nine Yin: Healing Chapter has completed its automatic cultivation. Proficiency has increased. ]

[ You have gained 1 cultivation wave! ]

[ ]

[ Current cultivation waves: 55 ]

Thanks to the miraculous medicines gifted by his good uncle Zhu Wen, Zhu Youning received system notifications one after another in less than half an hour, and his cultivation waves rapidly rose to 55.

Zhu Youning was overjoyed.

It was not that the system's cheat was too outrageous—it was simply that Uncle Zhu Wen had given him far too much Fire Ganoderma and mountain ginseng!

After all, these were century-old Fire Ganoderma and mountain ginseng. Though their effects could not compare to Millennium Fire Lingzhi Mushroom and thousand-year ginseng, they were still far from ordinary!

This gave him a new idea.

He immediately went to the study and summoned someone.

"Commander."

A burly man clasped his fists and bowed, his attitude respectful.

This man was Wu Yi, the commander of Zhu Youning's personal guards and the training commissioner of the Right Dragon Cavalry Command.

He had blocked blades for Zhu Youning on the battlefield many times and was considered one of Zhu Youning's confidants. He now stayed in Zhu Youning's residence as a guard, ensuring his safety. The reason he addressed Zhu Youning as "Commander" rather than Prince, Your Highness, or some other title was because he had become accustomed to calling him that during the period when Zhu Youning had established his command under the previous dynasty.

"Wu Yi, go at once to the major pharmacies in Bian Prefecture and buy up all their restorative medicines and spiritual herbs. You may use as much silver from the prince's estate as needed. If you handle this well, you will be richly rewarded."

"Yes!"

Wu Yi was a man of few words. He clasped his fists, then withdrew.

By evening, he had returned to the estate with an entire cartload of medicinal ingredients.

"Commander, this subordinate searched through every pharmacy, large and small, in Bian Prefecture. I could only find these. Please forgive me, Commander."

Zhu Youning walked over to the cart, and system notifications immediately sprang up like bamboo shoots after rain.

[ Bear Gallbladder: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Bitter in taste and cold in nature; enters the Heart and Liver meridians. ]

[ Green Mandala Flower: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Bitter in taste; can directly purge dampness from the organs and is adept at driving out blood stasis. ]

[ Jade Bee Honey Syrup: Flower nectar gathered by jade bees. Sweet in taste and warm in nature; the essence of a hundred flowers. It nourishes yin and the kidneys, strengthens the body, and increases internal energy. ]

[ Peach Kernel: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient, made by drying the fruit of a peach. ]

[ Tiger Bone: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Bitter in taste and cold in nature; enters the Liver and Gallbladder meridians. ]

[ Velvet Antler: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Pungent and sweet; an item of great heat that replenishes primordial qi. ]

[ Schisandra: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Possesses all five flavors; can astringe lung qi and nourish kidney water. ]

[ Bird's Nest: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Sweet and bland in taste; nourishes the lungs and replenishes yin. ]

[ Polygonum Multiflorum: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Bitter in taste; can warm the kidneys, nourish the liver, and preserve essence and qi. ]

[ Lingzhi: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Benefits the water passages, nourishes kidney qi, opens the nine apertures, and prolonged consumption makes the body light and prevents aging. ]

[ Sappanwood: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Sweet and salty in taste; promotes blood circulation and unblocks the channels, relieves stasis and pain, dispels wind, and harmonizes the blood. ]

[ Peach Immortal: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Can invigorate the tendons, relax the bones, stop bleeding, and promote flesh regeneration. ]

[ Chinese Rhubarb: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Can purge excess heat from the blood, regulate the blood vessels, and benefit the joints. ]

[ Trogopterus Dung: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Warm in nature, bitter and sweet in taste; disperses blood stasis and relieves pain. ]

[ Raw Dragon Bone: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Said to be fossilized skeletal remains of ancient creatures excavated from the ground. ]

[ Arisaema: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Commonly found near mountain streams; can purge Heart fire and benefit essence and blood. ]

[ Dahurian Angelica: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Dispels wind-dampness, drains pus, and detoxifies. ]

[ Gastrodia Tuber: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Sweet with a slight sourness; can nourish the kidneys and brain, calm the mind, and dispel wind. ]

[ Myrrh: One type of traditional medicinal ingredient. Can disperse blood stasis and relieve pain, reduce swelling, and promote flesh regeneration. ]

[Tortoise Shell: a traditional Chinese medicinal ingredient, salty and cold in nature, extremely yin, associated with Metal and Water, nourishes the heart and sharpens the mind.]

[Placenta: a traditional Chinese medicinal ingredient, sweet, salty, and warm in nature, formed from human qi and blood, treats deficiency and fatigue.]

[Tianshan Snow Lotus: a rare treasure produced in the Tianshan Mountains, capable of prolonging life and enhancing internal strength.]

[Drunken Immortal Spirit Lotus: a traditional Chinese medicinal ingredient, extremely bitter and cold, treats hematemesis and injuries, and can also enhance internal strength.]

[]

Looking at the densely packed notifications, Zhu Youning was overjoyed.

Had Wu Yi robbed every shop in Bian Prefecture? How had he brought back so many tonics and wound medicines?

Among them was even a rarity like the Tianshan Snow Lotus!

"You handled this well." Zhu Youning praised him, then noticed that the treasured sword at Wu Yi's waist was gone. He guessed, "The Tianshan Snow Lotus is no ordinary thing. It's priceless and impossible to obtain unless fortune favors you. Don't tell me you sold your ancestral sword?"

"Reporting to Commander, this Tianshan Snow Lotus was exchanged from an outer disciple of the Tianshan Sword Sect. That man came from the Tianshan Sword Sect and traveled between the Central Plains and the Tianshan Mountains. He sought neither money nor wealth—only famous swords and sharp weapons from across the realm."

"So you traded your sword for the Tianshan Snow Lotus? That sword was a family heirloom!"

Zhu Youning looked at Wu Yi in surprise.

He knew Wu Yi's background, and he also knew that Wu Yi's ancestral sword was no ordinary weapon.

Wu Yi's ancestor had been Wu Yuanji, the Prefect of Cai Prefecture during the mid-Tang era a century ago. At the time, Wu Yuanji had colluded with the various Hebei military governors and wielded power at his pleasure, only to be defeated when the famed general Li Su launched a snowy night raid on Cai Prefecture, leaving him separated from both head and body. However, Wu Yuanji had a young son who escaped with a sharp sword from the family home, along with some valuables.

He fled from place to place and concealed his identity, barely surviving. As time passed, the valuables were long spent, but that sword had been handed down through generation after generation, becoming a family heirloom.

Hearing Zhu Youning's words, Wu Yi said nothing.

Zhu Youning said nothing either. He turned and entered the room, emerging shortly afterward with an exceedingly ornate sword in hand.

"Back then, King of Qi Li Maozhen held Emperor Zhaozong of the previous dynasty hostage. I escorted His Majesty back to Chang'an, and when the court assessed the merits of escorting the emperor, I was appointed Military Governor of Lingnan West Circuit, granted the rank of Specially Advanced, and bestowed the title Meritorious Minister of Escorting the Emperor. This sword was gifted by Emperor Zhaozong of the previous dynasty at that time. It is the sword of the Meritorious Minister of Escorting the Emperor."

Zhu Youning looked at Wu Yi and handed him the sword.

"Today, I bestow this sword upon you."

"Commander, you absolutely must not! This is your—"

"This sword holds no special meaning for me. After all, the previous dynasty has been gone for years. I grant it to you only in the hope that you will fight bravely and kill the enemy on the battlefield, becoming my Meritorious Minister of Escorting the Emperor."

At this, Wu Yi's expression stirred. He seemed to catch the deeper meaning in Zhu Youning's words. Then he immediately dropped to his knees, his voice resolute. "This subordinate will gladly go through fire and water for Commander, never shrinking even from ten thousand deaths!"

"No need to die. Real work strengthens the realm; you would do better to serve me properly. Get up first. By the way, has anything happened recently?"

Wu Yi thought for a moment before replying, "There have been almost no battles today. Though Your Highness is not personally on duty in the army, Wang Yanzhang, the Left Army Commissioner, has kept both wings of the Longxiang Army in perfect order. However, someone at court submitted a memorial saying that Commander's injuries remain uncertain and that Commander should temporarily be removed from the post of Longxiang Army Commander, so that the Longxiang Army may have a leader and continue participating in battle."

Zhu Youning showed no emotional reaction. "The words of a fool."

After all, he was not only Zhu Wen's nephew, but also one of Zhu Wen's trusted generals. For that censor to say such a thing was no different from telling Zhu Wen, "Your Majesty, hand over the military authority."

How could Zhu Wen possibly agree?

"Commander is right. His Majesty completely ignored that censor and ordered him executed on the spot."

Executed outright? That was certainly swift and decisive.

Zhu Youning was initially somewhat surprised, but once he recalled Zhu Wen's character, he no longer found it strange.

"Anything else?"

Wu Yi said, "There is another matter that has been spreading widely lately. His Majesty intends to kill Wang Shifan to avenge you."

"His Majesty wants to kill Wang Shifan?"

Zhu Youning was instantly startled upon hearing this.

Who was Wang Shifan? He was Qingzhou's resourceful Confucian commander.

At the time, Zhu Wen had stationed his troops beneath Qi, when Wang Shifan happened to rebel. Zhu Wen thus dispatched Zhu Youning to lead his soldiers back to defend Great Liang. Zhu Youning led his forces to several consecutive victories against Wang Shifan's troops, but while pursuing them to Shilou, he unexpectedly fell from his horse and died. That was how Zhu Youning's later transmigration came about.

However, Zhu Liang's military strength was formidable. Even though Wang Shifan had defeated Zhu Youning and won a minor victory, he could not withstand Zhu Wen's great army bearing down on him and ultimately chose to surrender.

Zhu Wen had accepted Wang Shifan's surrender at the time.

But now, Zhu Wen actually intended to kill Wang Shifan to avenge his fall from the horse?

"Wu Yi, is this true?"

"It is." Wu Yi nodded. "And His Majesty does not merely intend to kill Wang Shifan alone. He intends to exterminate his entire clan to the ninth degree!"

Zhu Youning immediately grew anxious.

His uncle was avenging him, so by all rights, he ought to have felt somewhat moved.

But Wang Shifan was better off not being killed!

"Wu Yi, is Wang Shifan still alive?"

"He is. His Majesty said that even killing someone should be done on an auspicious day, so he plans to execute Wang Shifan fifteen days from now. They say that day is an auspicious day for killing."

Choosing an auspicious day for murder was indeed absurd, but Zhu Youning could not concern himself with that now.

"As long as he isn't dead. Wu Yi, prepare a carriage at once. I'm going to the palace to see His Majesty!"