Fang Zhengzhi knew what Lin Yun was trying to say.
However, he did not answer Lin Yun's question immediately. Instead, he looked at the night sky and asked, "How are the Crown Prince and King Duan?"
"Third Brother and Sixth Brother are locked up in the Heavenly Prison. Logically speaking, there should be an outcome soon. However, Father seems to be in a bad mood recently, so …" Lin Yun paused for a moment.
Fang Zhengzhi did not answer his question directly. He also understood the reason behind it. However, when he mentioned the Crown Prince and King Duan, he could not help but feel a tinge of sadness on his face.
Since ancient times, the Emperor's family had always fought for the throne. The relationship between brothers was much more indifferent than that of an ordinary family.
However, no matter how indifferent they were, they were still brothers.
In just one night, two of his brothers were locked up in the Heavenly Prison. Furthermore, they might be executed in the near future. How could Lin Yun not feel anything?
When Fang Zhengzhi heard this, he nodded his head lightly and did not ask any further. The Crown Prince rebelled, King Duan rebelled, and Ping Yang was brought to the Ling Yun Tower by Cang Yue.
These three incidents added together was a heavy blow to the Great Xia Dynasty. Be it Lin Yun or Emperor Lin Mubai, they could not be in a good mood.
"Since Prince Xian asked me if I would stay in the Northern Mountain Village, then I guess that you have another order with you?" Fang Zhengzhi waited for a moment before he picked up his wine cup and took a sip.
"Yes!" Lin Yun was shocked. However, he quickly regained his composure and nodded his head. He continued, "The Heavenly Dao Pavilion selection test will begin in one and a half months. Father asked me to give you a token. As long as you have this token, you will be considered to be qualified to participate in the Heavenly Dao Pavilion selection test."
"Other than the token, is there another order?" Fang Zhengzhi asked again.
"Yes, Father's order is that if Prince Cang does not want this token and gives up on participating in the Heavenly Dao Pavilion selection test, then within six months, all the affairs of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies will be managed by Prince Cang. The Imperial Court will not interfere. This includes the appointment and dismissal of officials, and … finances!"
"Haha … Your Majesty, don't tell me you want me to earn money openly?" Fang Zhengzhi smiled when he heard this.
"There are no outsiders here, so I'll be straightforward. The Azure King has saved the country and the people, and my Imperial Father also wants to repay the Azure King. After all, the grace of the Emperor is only temporary, and the contributions will eventually become a thing of the past. Only by establishing a prosperous aristocratic family is the true long-term plan!" Lin Yun nodded his head, surprisingly not denying it.
Fang Zhengzhi did not say anything else.
He understood the meaning behind Lin Yun's words. Emperor Lin Mubai had given him the authority to appoint and dismiss officials from the Northern Lands Five Constabularies. This was sufficient to explain his intentions.
Of course, this goal was not as simple as it seemed.
This time, the Holy Barbarian Empire had brought 300,000 soldiers to invade through the five constabularies of the Northern Lands. However, this had something to do with Su Qing's betrayal and the Crown Prince's rebellion.
However, it was impossible to say that this had nothing to do with the Divine Constabulary's lack of supervision.
Most importantly …
At the time of the incident, Divine Consort Chi Hong's men were still in the capital.
Of course, Emperor Lin Mubai was not stupid. How could he not know that Divine Consort Chi Hong had used the opportunity of escorting Fang Zhengzhi to enter the capital to help King Duan?
Even though Divine Consort Chi Hong did not directly participate in King Duan's rebellion, who could be sure that Chi Hong was completely unaware of this?
At this time, Emperor Lin Mubai gave Fang Zhengzhi the authority to appoint and dismiss officials from the Northern Lands Five Constabularies. On one hand, it was a show of favor, and on the other hand, it was more or less to sort out the remaining factions and balance each other out.
These few years, the Great Xia Dynasty did not lack silver. Half a year's worth of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies was but a drop in the bucket for the Great Xia Dynasty.
There was an ancient saying that went, the world belongs to the Emperor. As such, why would the silver be in the hands of the Emperor? If you want it, then keep it!
Marry the Thirteenth Princess.
Give him another half a year to fish for silver in the Northern Lands and build up his power.
If everything went according to the normal plan …
Half a year later, he would die. Then, the Fang Family would naturally be handed over to the Thirteenth Princess. The son she gave birth to would be considered a relative of the Emperor, and would have half of the royal bloodline.
Furthermore, Yan Xiu had already been officially conferred the title of Prince Yan, and was in charge of the Yan Family of Western Liang.
Northern Lands, Western Liang.
Favor, balance, and entanglement. Three things to consider.
Emperor Lin Mubai's plan of 'everyone wins together' was not bad. It was no wonder that he would marry the Thirteenth Princess. If it was any other noble family's daughter, Emperor Lin Mubai would probably not agree to it.
If Fang Zhengzhi's guess was right, the Emperor had already discussed the management plan of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies, as well as the appointment and dismissal of officials, in detail with the Thirteenth Princess.
After all, everyone knew that with Fang Zhengzhi's personality, he would never seriously manage the Northern Lands Five Constabularies. As such, the Thirteenth Princess's suggestion was naturally the most appropriate thing to do.
Of course …
To some extent, these matters did not have much to do with Fang Zhengzhi.
This was because, to Fang Zhengzhi, he would marry a gentle, virtuous, and beautiful princess. Then, he would spend his days indulging in debauchery and starting his plan to make a baby. Then, he would be the 'King of the Mountain' in the Northern Lands Five Constabularies for half a year. When he died, he would still be able to leave behind a few more generations of glory.
This was Fang Zhengzhi's life goal.
Why not?
"Forget about the management of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies. I prefer freedom." Fang Zhengzhi smiled and shook his head as he replied to Lin Yun.
"Even if it's the management of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies, you still have freedom. The Imperial Court will not interfere. Furthermore, if Prince Cang does not wish to interfere, you can …" Lin Yun stopped halfway through his sentence. Then, he sighed softly and said, "I understand. Since Prince Cang has made up your mind, I will not say anything more. This is the token to participate in the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test!"
As Lin Yun spoke, he took out an exquisite wooden token. It had an antique feel to it, and there were two words' Heaven Dao 'carved on the token.
On the other side, there were all sorts of cloud patterns.
"I don't want this token." Fangzheng took the token from Lin Yun's hand and gently touched it. Following that, he pushed the token back to Lin Yun.
"You don't want it?" Lin Yun was stunned.
The reason why he did not persuade Fang Zhengzhi earlier on was because he saw the determination in Fang Zhengzhi's eyes. Because of this, he swallowed the words that he wanted to say.
But now …
Fang Zhengzhi actually said that he did not want the token?
This confused him. He did not want to manage the Northern Lands Five Constabularies, and he did not want the token?
"Yes, I don't want it." Fang Zhengzhi nodded his head seriously.
"Could it be that Prince Cang is not going to participate in the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test? If Prince Cang has decided not to participate, then why are you not willing to accept my father's decree? Actually, this matter … "Lin Yun seemed to have thought of something halfway through his sentence. He looked at Wu Yuer, who was sitting beside him, and hesitated to speak.
"It has nothing to do with her." Fang Zhengzhi looked at Lin Yun and naturally guessed what Lin Yun was thinking. He pointed at Wu Yuer, who was sitting beside him.
When Wu Yuer heard this, she raised her head slightly and let out a soft humph. However, she did not say anything.
Looking at this scene, Lin Yun's heart became more and more confused.
He knew Wu Yuer's identity. Because he knew, he thought that Fang Zhengzhi would have some concerns about Wu Yuer. Furthermore, he had even thought of letting Wu Yuer and the Thirteenth Princess become the legal wife at the same time.
For the royal family, this was something that was almost impossible.
However, under the current circumstances, he had no choice but to make such a decision. Furthermore, he knew that Emperor Lin Mubai would definitely not object.
However, Fang Zhengzhi said that it had nothing to do with Wu Yuer?
Then why?
"If it has nothing to do with Sect Leader Wu, then I really don't know the reason." Lin Yun said calmly. This time, he really did not understand.
"Xian Prince, if I really participate in this Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test, what are the chances of me passing it?" Fang Zhengzhi asked casually.
"This … I don't know much about the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test, because I don't have the qualifications to watch it. In the past, in the Great Xia Dynasty, only father, third brother and sixth brother had the qualifications. Of course, in my personal opinion, even though Prince Cang is only in the Supernatural State, if he really participated in the selection test, he would at least have a 70% chance of passing, or even higher!" Lin Yun said honestly.
"I don't think so." Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.
"Prince Cang doesn't have confidence? But, hasn't Prince Cang always … "
"The Heaven Dao Pavilion's selection test is different. From what I know, the Heaven Dao Pavilion's test questions are based on the Six Virtues, Six Elements, and Six Arts. Furthermore, the questions are completely different every year. It can be said that to pass the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test, one has to rely on luck and one's own cultivation."
"With Prince Cang's character, I don't think …"
"Luck, it's only a 50-50 chance. Of course, I'm not worried about this, but I'm afraid that the Heaven Dao Pavilion already knows that I only have half a year left to live. So, Xian Prince, do you really think that the Heaven Dao Pavilion will recruit someone who can't live for more than half a year?" Fang Zhengzhi shook his head and interrupted Lin Yun.
"This …"
"Furthermore, even if they really recruit me, do you think that the Heaven Dao Pavilion will give me resources? In other words, the Heaven Dao Pavilion is betting that I will definitely become a Sage within half a year, no, it's four months. When the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test ends, I will only have four months left. Does Xian Prince think that the Heaven Dao Pavilion will give me enough resources to break through to the Sage State within four months? "Fang Zhengzhi asked again.
"This …" Lin Yun was silent.
Of course, he could understand the meaning behind Fang Zhengzhi's words. Although the Heaven Dao Pavilion was known for being fair and impartial, and did not have too many prejudices towards every disciple. They did not ask about their background, only about their talents and potential.
But …
In this world, how could there be complete fairness and impartiality?
The Heaven Dao Pavilion would not be willing to spend time and energy to recruit a disciple who was about to die. Furthermore, just like what Fang Zhengzhi had said, even if Fang Zhengzhi really managed to rank at the top with outstanding results, the Heaven Dao Pavilion had no choice but to recruit him.
But, what about after he entered the Heaven Dao Pavilion?
The best outcome would be to be treated fairly like the other disciples, and there was a 90% chance that they would treat Fang Zhengzhi like a "vase".
No matter what the outcome was, it was not what Fang Zhengzhi wanted.
"Then … How is Prince Cang going to deal with this? Are you not planning to participate in the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test?" Lin Yun finally opened his mouth after a long silence.
"No, I will participate."
"Why does Prince Cang insist on participating in the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test?"
"Because, there is a promise!"
"A promise? But, how can you participate without a token? Furthermore, Prince Cang just said that even if you really participate, the chances of entering the Heaven Dao Pavilion is very slim. "
"Normally, that's the case!"
"I … I don't really understand, how does Prince Cang participate in the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test?"
"I still don't understand this question." Fang Zhengzhi waved his hands and revealed a look of helplessness. Then, he looked at the sky and said, "Isn't there an old saying? The road is made by people, and only when you lift your feet to walk will you realize that there is a road beneath your feet!"
"The road is made by people …" Lin Yun muttered softly. Then, his originally confused eyes became clear and he said, "I understand now! If that's the case, there's something I need to let Prince Cang know. "
"Prince Xian, please speak."
"I wonder if Prince Cang knows much about the Nangong Nobles?"
"Are you referring to Nangong Hao?"
"Yes, there's something that Prince Cang might not know about. Although the Nangong Nobles belong to the Great Xia Dynasty, they are not bound by the laws of the Great Xia Dynasty!"
"Not bound by the laws of the Great Xia Dynasty?" Fang Zhengzhi squinted his eyes. He really did not know about this, or rather, he had never thought that there would be such a thing.
"Yes, the Nangong Nobles have a long history, even longer than the Great Xia Dynasty. Furthermore, I heard that Nangong Hao had already broken through a month ago. If Prince Cang really wants to go to the Heaven Dao Pavilion, befriending Nangong Hao would be better than befriending him."
"Befriending him? I don't think there's any conflict between me and Nangong Hao, right? "
"Not on the surface, but there's a rumor in the Great Xia Dynasty that Prince Cang should have heard of. The Double Dragon Roll Champion will shock the world, and bring peace to the world!"
"Yes, I've heard of it."
"Then does Prince Cang know the true meaning of this Heavenly Prophecy?"
"The true meaning?"
"Yes!"
Fang Zhengzhi did not ask immediately, nor did he speak. He only tapped his fingers on the table, and after a while, he spoke again, "From what I know, this Heavenly Prophecy should only be related to Chi Guyan, right? Could it be related to Nangong Hao? "
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