Demoted

Dong Zhongshu continuously refined the theory of the Unity of Celestial Person and Heaven, and constantly put forward new insights.

"Your Majesty has the highest success rate in achieving a state of harmony Unity of Celestial Person and Heaven when all people are of one mind. Whenever we seek such a state, there is a high probability that we will achieve it ourselves!"

"Are you trying to use magic to create a connection, thereby seizing His Majesty's vital energy of Unity of Celestial Person and Heaven?"

"Don't use the word 'seize.' We're just borrowing it. When His Majesty doesn't need it, we can use it. This kind of connection won't harm him in the slightest!"

Dong Zhongshu's new insights into the Unity of Celestial Person and Heaven are similar to the sword-drawing technique, and he must have had successful attempts before communicating with Zhang Xuezhou.

Zhang Xuezhou found Dong Zhongshu's revised method very practical, but he also had a vague feeling that something was amiss.

He possessed an exceptional memory and was quick to correct his mistakes in Technique Method, so in the end he could only thank Dong Zhongshu for his kind explanation.

"I'll have His Majesty test it out these next couple of days!"

Zhang Xuezhou had plenty of opportunities to gain control over 'fast and slow', and now he needed to get involved with the new emperor to see if he could exert influence as Dong Zhongshu had suggested.

He bid farewell to the satisfied Dong Zhongshu, and then inquired with Zheng Wukong. Upon learning that he had not seen anyone deliver wine, he had no choice but to leave Laoshu Hutong dejectedly.

"Yi Shuo should know where I am. Old Tree Alley is still quite far from the palace, and with the Spirit Wood Staff striking me wildly, Yi Shuo couldn't remove the power of the Locking Yang Technique from me!"

Zhang Xuezhou swayed lightly.

After his journey through time, he was left lying dead. Once he regained consciousness, he had few opponents left. The defeat of the Dao Lord relieved him of the pressure in his heart.

As long as he isn't killed by Daojun's attack, with his current abilities, he has the capacity to escape even if Zhu Jiuyin and Nine Spirits Primal Sage come together.

This made Zhang Xuezhou extremely happy, not to mention that he also obtained the Daoist Lord's three flying knife techniques.

Quickly think about things you need to face, such as going to Mount Tai to find Rong Tianding, finding out the court's movements, understanding the new emperor's situation, and your body needing to unseal the power of the Locked Yang.

In addition, Zhang Xuezhou also plans to try some cultivation techniques, including the improved Unity of Celestial Person and Heaven Technique and the Innate Qi Technique. Whether in this world or the real world, Zhang Xuezhou can only learn from and imitate others by opening up a connection between them. The many things that need to be done will make his time quite fulfilling.

"Now things are getting lively!"

Laoshu Hutong was somewhat quiet, but as it drew closer to the imperial city, Zhang Xuezhou could see many hurried pedestrians with joyful expressions.

War is not a good thing, but the changes and updates it brings can be very rapid, even beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.

Things that would normally take three to five years to accomplish can be done in the second half of the year during a state of war, and it's not unusual for them to be completed in one or two months.

"His Majesty is a decisive person; he does what he says immediately, he..."

After sorting out his many matters, Zhang Xuezhou Zhang Xuezhou headed back home when he heard a shout coming from the street, which surprised him slightly as he turned around.

Although Zhang Xuezhou had many thoughts and did not focus on using the cloud-riding technique, his flight was almost instinctive, and he hardly attracted attention as he walked through the streets of Chang'an City.

"General Li is back?"

Only when he focused his gaze on the face did Zhang Xuezhou realize that the hoarse voice he heard belonged to Li Guang.

He glanced at the mansion belonging to Li Cai, and then at Li Guang was dressed in linen clothes.

"Are you punishing yourself by wearing burlap?" Zhang Xuezhou asked curiously.

"I... I can only wear linen clothes!"

Li Guang's voice was hoarse, indicating that Li Guang had not drunk water for a long time, and possibly had not eaten for a long time. His physical and mental condition was quite poor.

"Is it illegal for you to put on your clothes?" Zhang Xuezhou asked.

"Foul!"

Li Guang nodded, and Zhang Xuezhou took a deep breath.

The new emperor not only placed Gongsun Hong in charge of the southern army, but also removed Li Guang from his position, even demoting him to a lower rank.

If even wearing proper clothes is illegal, Li Guang must have become an ordinary commoner by now.

Without the kinship ties with Li Cai, Li Guang wouldn't even be qualified to enter the Imperial City District.

"How did you end up like this?" Zhang Xuezhou asked.

"He deserved it, there's nothing more to say!"

Li Guang opened his mouth, but for a moment he found it difficult to express his feelings.

As the most radical high-ranking general in the history of the Great Han Dynasty, Li Guang was stationed in the north for many years, and the continuous battles made him a thorn in the side of the Xiong State.

Let alone Li Guang, even if the military genius Han Xin were reborn, he would find it difficult to break through this situation.

Whenever Li Guang appears on the battlefield, he becomes the target of encirclement and attack.

Two fists can't beat four hands, let alone leading troops into battle.

If he doesn't reach the maximum troop capacity, he will inevitably be surrounded and annihilated by the Xiong State's cavalry. It will be very difficult for him to obtain the highest command authority. The new emperor is unlikely to let him lead tens or even hundreds of thousands of cavalry. The Great Han Dynasty will also find it difficult to support such a large cavalry regiment to sweep through the country. The Xiong State's cavalry regiment will also avoid him, resulting in his failure to achieve anything as a commander.

Regardless of which method Li Guang chose, the predicament he faced was difficult to resolve.

This is probably a case of "people are afraid of becoming famous, just as pigs are afraid of getting fat." His fame was so great that he couldn't break out of his predicament.

Throughout history, the greater the reputation of a general, the better, as it could even terrify the enemy and cause them to abandon the city and flee. However, in the Great Han Dynasty, Li Guang's situation was different for some reason.

He couldn't escape this cycle and was also distressed by the consequences of his defeat and destruction.

"I lingered outside my cousin's residence for so long because I wanted to ask Lord Dongfang for advice on how to resolve this predicament."

Li Guang explained in a low voice, then looked at Zhang Xuezhou with expectant eyes.

"I can't forget my fallen comrades, I can't forget the image of my son lying on his bed, wailing as he died, I can't forget those young people whose remains could never be retrieved. I want to lead an army into battle, I want revenge, I want to fight to the very edge of the Xiong State's territory, I..."

I can't help you!

Li Guang muttered to himself, but his voice stopped abruptly as Zhang Xuezhou shook his head.

Zhang Xuezhou was not known for his wisdom, but Li Guang knew that he was the new emperor's closest minister and must know the new emperor's plans for him.

He tried to get some information from Zhang Xuezhou, but Zhang Xuezhou refused him decisively.

"In your current state, it's a bit too difficult for you to lead a team in battle. You should take good care of your health!"

Zhang Xuezhou cupped his hands in greeting, then strode towards his own residence.

"Cousin, is this Lord Dongfang really as miraculous as you say?"

As Zhang Xuezhou disappeared down the street and entered his own residence, the gate of Li Guang's residence opened, and a burly man carrying a long spear came out.

His face bore a slight resemblance to Li Guang, but he looked a bit younger and less weathered and haggard.

Holding a long spear, he sat down next to Li Guang and asked in a low voice.

"You've seen him wielding the Red Empyrean Sword in the palace; you should know his power," Li Guang replied in a low voice. "His Majesty trusts very few people right now, and Dongfang Shuo is one of the very few whom His Majesty trusts and doesn't guard against. Whenever Dongfang Shuo speaks, His Majesty will definitely listen to his advice!"

"But some say that the Red Empyrean Sword in Dongfang Shuo's residence is fake, and that he was merely a pawn pushed out by His Majesty!"

"What if it really is in Dongfang Shuo's hands?"

"How is this possible? Does His Majesty intend to allow Dongfang Shuo to wield the Red Empyrean Sword and run around recklessly?"

Their relationship is probably closer than you and I imagine!

"If they are very close, and Dongfang Shuo is talented, why should he be a mere Attendant Gentleman? Even if he has a habit of being drowsy, he can still be given important positions. After all, civil officials don't attend court every day, and military generals don't need to fight every day. The positions of the Chancellor's Clerk and the Grand Commandant's Clerk would be very suitable for him!"

"Perhaps it's not that His Majesty doesn't want to appoint him, but rather that Dongfang Shuo doesn't want to be in that position!"

"So what's in it for him?"

"Yeah, what's in it for him?"

The question that Li Cai couldn't understand, Li Guang also found difficult to understand.

He had met Zhang Xuezhou in his early years; the latter was witty and resourceful, always seeking every possible opportunity to benefit himself.

This situation is not significantly different from that of most people. Li Guang has seen many people like this, except that Zhang Xuezhou was just a little bolder.

Now, Zhang Xuezhou seems more detached from worldly desires, as if he doesn't care about external things at all.

Li Guang found this change in behavior difficult to understand. If he had to find a reason, he felt that Zhang Xuezhou might have already achieved his own goals.

The position of Vice Minister was not high, and Zhang Xuezhou was not on the list of newly promoted officials. Li Guang did not know what purpose Zhang Xuezhou had achieved by using his official position.

If Zhang Xuezhou had no need for an official position but possessed exceptional abilities, those in high positions would not be delighted, but rather uneasy, feeling that it would be difficult to bind Zhang Xuezhou to the court.

Strangely, the new emperor and Zhang Xuezhou seemed to have reached a tacit balance: Zhang Xuezhou was not greedy, and the new emperor could tolerate the situation.

"His Majesty must be paying a price to feel at ease. What exactly is it? Could it be that Dongfang Shuo took advantage of His Majesty...?"

Li Guang had a vague feeling that he had guessed something.

He stood up and looked towards Zhang Xuezhou's residence. Zhang Xuezhou did not come out, but Li Guang was surprised to see another person riding the Yufeng approaching.

"His Majesty went to his house so soon?"

When Li Guang saw the figure clearly, a look of surprise appeared on his face.

Zhang Xuezhou had only been back at his residence for a short time when the new emperor arrived—even a wedding night wouldn't have been this quick and timely.