Taoist master Zhang and the Shangqing Palace Taoist officials had a discussion. Just as they decided to bring a large number of Taoist officials to Nanchang to pay their respects to Emperor Zhengde, someone came to report that Duke Wei Yang Ling had arrived.
Taoist master Zhang was overjoyed. He was thinking hard about how to improve the relationship between Longhu Mountain and the Emperor, but he forgot that the Emperor's closest official was also a good friend of his. With him as a mediator, there was no need to worry that the Emperor would not favor Longhu Mountain.
Taoist master Zhang immediately led a group of Shangqing Palace Taoist officials down the mountain to greet him. The Nation Master's position was also very respected. Before Yang Ling was promoted to Duke, he would not be welcomed by the Nation Master personally.
The two went up the mountain arm in arm. They first went to Shangqing Palace to pay their respects to the Three Pure Ones, then to the Taoist Master's residence. Taoist master Zhang entered the residence and happily ordered, "Come, an old friend from the capital is here. Invite Young Miss to see her."
The servant in the residence hurriedly said, "Reporting to Taoist Master, Young Miss has left the residence."
Taoist master Zhang smiled apologetically at Yang Ling. "This crazy girl is still mischievous all day long. Let her see Duke when she comes back. Duke, please have a seat in the study room. Let's have a chat over tea."
The two walked side by side to the study room. Taoist master Zhang said, "Duke, you are very busy. I am really sorry for troubling you to come up the mountain to see me. I just heard that His Majesty and Duke have arrived in Nanchang. I am preparing to go down the mountain to pay my respects to His Majesty and Duke. "
"Haha, paying my respects to His Majesty is something I should do. I don't dare to trouble His Majesty." Yang Ling said with a smile and entered the study room with Taoist master Zhang. The study room was decorated elegantly and antique. In the middle of the wall was a big 'Dao' character. It was unknown which generation's Taoist Master wrote it.
The two of them sat down. Yang Ling went straight to the point and said, "Celestial Master, to tell you the truth, I came up the mountain today to visit a good friend and also to ask for your help."
As soon as the Taoist master Zhang heard this, his heart began to beat like a drum. "He's a duke, a person of high status and power, the number one favorite of the Emperor. He's a person who can shake the country with a stomp of his foot. What matter can't he do that he still needs to ask me for help? This High Duke, please don't be hot-headed and want me to perform some Kung Fu like summoning the wind and summoning the rain or the hundred phoenixes facing the sun, right? "
The Taoist master Zhang anxiously said, "I wonder what important matter the High Duke has. If it's within my capabilities, there's no reason for me not to grant it."
Yang Ling hurriedly told him about Crown Prince King Ning escaping into the mountains and seeking shelter under King Yao. If the imperial court's army were to enter the mountains to encircle him, firstly, it would be a waste of time and energy, and secondly, it would easily cause trouble and harm the innocent people.
He smiled and said, "I asked the Yao people at the foot of Jindan Mountain and found out that the Yao people in that area all worship Buddhism and Taoism. They believe in gods and witchcraft. The Taoist Master of Longhu Sect has been passed down for thousands of years. The people of the four barbarians all respect them as if they were gods. Duke Tianchang of the Yao village also suggested to me that the Taoist Master should be able to persuade the barbarians. In order to avoid fighting here, Yang Ling shamelessly went up the mountain to ask for help."
The Taoist master Zhang heaved a sigh of relief. Tricking people was much easier than summoning the wind and summoning the rain. He thought for a while and asked, "I wonder which village King Ning Crown Prince has escaped to?"
When Yang Ling heard this, he was surprised and said, "This king … Shouldn't there only be one? Don't tell me there are more than one? "
The Taoist master Zhang said with a smile, "This Yao King is like the King Miao of the Miao family. The master of a cave is a king, and the master of a village is also a king. There are many Yao villages in the vast mountains of Jindan Mountain. Those that are close to the mountains and have close relations with the Han people mostly use the Yao elders to manage their villages. Those that are hidden deep in the mountains have relatively concentrated power. The master of a village is a Yao King. Therefore, there are more than ten Yao Kings."
Yang Ling was enlightened and said, "I see. According to the Duke Tianchang at the foot of Jindan Mountain, Crown Prince King Ning Crown Prince is hiding in a Yao King village called Pan Qishi. I heard that King Pan Yao treats him like an important guest and has the intention to marry into his family."
The Taoist master Zhang thought for a while and said, "Pan Qishi? This Yao King once came up the mountain with lavish gifts to pay his respects. I still remember him. This person has a bad temper, but he is brave and good at fighting. He has a lot of prestige among the Yao Kings. Since it is as the High Duke has said, there is no time to lose. This poor Taoist has to rush over as soon as possible. Otherwise, if he marries the Crown Prince of Ning Wang as his son-in-law and becomes a family, it will be difficult for him to surrender the criminal. "
When Yang Ling heard this, he quickly got up and said, "If that is the case, I will immediately accompany Taoist Master to Jindan Mountain. For Taoist Master's safety, do you want me to send some guards who are highly skilled in martial arts to disguise as Taoist priests to protect you?"
The Taoist master Zhang smiled and said, "Once you enter the Yao village, you will be in their territory. Even if you bring thirty to fifty guards, they will not be able to leave the mountain. Hehe, there is no need to bring guards. Even if I become enemies with them because of Crown Prince King Ning Crown Prince, they will definitely not dare to hurt me. These barbarians are not afraid of anything, but they fear ghosts and gods more than they fear life and death. You need not worry about me, Duke."
He paused and said, "Today, I will hold a welcoming dinner for Duke. After that, Duke can stay in my residence. I will bring a few Taoist officials to the foot of Jindan Mountain to visit Duke Tianchang."
Yang Ling asked curiously, "Aren't you going to the mountain to see Pan Qishi?"
The Taoist master Zhang smiled and said, "When I arrive at Jindan Mountain, that King Pan Yao will receive the news and come out to welcome me. If I take the initiative to go there, I will inevitably fall into a trap."
Yang Ling thought about it and understood. He could not help but reveal a knowing smile. How could taking the initiative be more ingenious than letting someone take the initiative to take the bait? Pan Qishi was a devout believer in Taoism. He could come all the way from the deep mountains to Mount Longhu to pay his respects. If he heard that the Taoist master had gone to Jindan Mountain, how could he not come out to pay his respects?
Then, the Grand Preceptor would probably suddenly notice that the corner of this King Yao's eyes were dark, his glabella was dark, and his cheeks were slightly sunken. It was a bloody disaster. Then, under the trembling and pleading of this King Yao, the Grand Preceptor would reluctantly give him some pointers. Hmm … it was supposed to be like this.
The Taoist master Zhang suddenly thought that if he left, Yang Ling would also go down the mountain. He was afraid that when Crown Prince King Ning was brought out, he would have to escort an important criminal back to Nanchang. It was rare for him to come, and he wanted to use this relationship to expand the influence of Mount Longhu. No matter what, he had to make him stay for a few more days and build a friendship.
Thus, the Taoist master Zhang smiled and said, "In this case, there is no need for High Duke to travel back and forth. This Mount Longhu's scenery is not bad. High Duke, please stay in my Taoist master's residence. I will not fail my mission and ask that King Yao to personally kidnap Crown Prince King Ning and bring him up the mountain."
"Someone, arrange a place for High Duke in the VIP room immediately. Tell the kitchen to prepare a feast for High Duke today."
After the Taoist master Zhang finished speaking, he then remembered that his father had passed away early. Now, the master of the Taoist master's residence was only himself, his mother, and a few concubines. The only one who had the right to manage the entire Taoist master's residence was that wild girl. It was inconvenient for the madams to receive distinguished guests, so when he was not at home, he had to rely on that girl.
Thus, he quickly called in a servant and ordered, "Go, find the Eldest Miss and ask her to come back immediately!"
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After sending off the Taoist master Zhang down the mountain, Yang Ling looked sideways and saw Zhang Fubao also turning his head to look at him. His eyes were full of vigilance and hostility. He looked like a little mouse lying in a hole looking at a cat. It was very interesting to look at. Yang Ling could not help but laugh, "Fu Bao 'er, it has been almost two years since we last met. I don't remember offending you. Why are you looking at me like this? I am now the distinguished guest of your Taoist master's residence."
"Hmph!" Zhang Fubao did not give him any face at all. He raised his chin and turned to leave. Yang Ling followed behind with a smile. Zhang Fubao did not wear a Taoist robe today. He was wearing a set of plain blue clothes. His beautiful hair was still unrestrained. His slender figure looked slender and elegant, bright and beautiful.
Yang Ling clicked his tongue at the back and said, "Alas, don't tell me you eat vegetables and tofu every day? Look at you, you are so thin. I am afraid that the wind will blow you away. "
Zhang Fubao turned his head with a fierce face and said, "None of your business. I can't wait for a gust of wind to blow you away."
Yang Ling still did not understand how he had offended her. However, this little girl's face was sweet and beautiful. Her eyebrows were straight and her eyes were bright. She was very pleasing. Although she was angry and rude, she did not look annoying. Looking at her made people quite happy, so Yang Ling was not angry.
Zhang Fubao glanced at him and saw that he did not mind his rudeness. He suddenly remembered that in Mo Qinghe's residence, he almost fell into a hole and was pierced to death by piles of white bones. It was all thanks to him that he risked his life to pull his body. He was so tired that his arm was bleeding. He could not help but soften his heart and did not say anything more.
Zhang Fubao kept his head down and walked forward. He thought that everything was destined. His fated Langjun was most likely him. Now that he was wholeheartedly pursuing Taoism, he was the one who abandoned him. It was a pity that he was still muddle-headed and did not know about it. He was also not nice to him. This person was really pitiful. Zhang Fubao's heart softened a little.
"Forget it. Seeing that we are fated to be husband and wife in the secular world, after I become an immortal, I will come to the House of High Duke and enlighten him. If he is also fated to be an immortal, then I will help him achieve Taoism. If he is destined to be a normal person, then I have done my best."
Thinking of this, Zhang Fubao, who picked up a book of Taoism left behind by an unknown dead person and treated it as a treasure for cultivation, looked at Yang Ling with pity. He was deeply moved by his generous and selfless great sentiments.
When Yang Ling returned to the Taoist Master Residence's guest house, he was still a little confused. He did not know what this little lass was up to. When they were descending the mountain, she had a cold look on her face, as if he was a leprosy that everyone despised. But halfway up the mountain, she had become amiable, and even enthusiastically led him around the Dragon Tiger Mountain for a tour. She was a little too temperamental.
Yang Ling was puzzled. His guards rushed into his study and reported, "High Duke, there is an urgent report from the military post. It is news from beyond the Great Wall."
Yang Ling was shocked. He quickly got up and said, "Let me see it!"
Yang Ling took the letter and saw that it was a large leather envelope, with the fire seal of the military post station branded on it. He tore open the envelope, and inside was another envelope stamped with his personal seal. He knew at a glance that it was a letter from Adeni.
He had already received the same letter. At that time, the letter talked about Red Lady safely arriving beyond the Great Wall and preparing to provoke Boyan Mengke. At the same time, it also mentioned the open and secret strife between Red Lady and Cheng Qiyun in a gloating tone.
Yang Ling had only thought about how Cheng Qiyun and Hong Niang each had their own strengths, and how they complemented each other's strengths. However, he had forgotten that due to his relationship with him, there was a tendency for these two overly domineering women to develop jealousy when they met. Fortunately, he knew that even if the two of them fought in private, they would never neglect official business for personal reasons and delay official business, so he was not worried. However, he did not dare to have any illusions about whether the two of them could cooperate closely.
At this moment, he received a letter from Adeni. Yang Ling hurriedly opened it and read it in one breath. He finally understood the recent situation beyond the Great Wall. The news that Red Lady was conferred the title of King by Boyan Mengke surprised Yang Ling a lot. Although Boyan Mengke could no longer be called the unique Great Khan of the prairie and his conferment of the title of King had limited influence, such a big thing still surprised Yang Ling.
Time and fate, Boyan Mengke was definitely a hero of the world. Unfortunately, he was born at the wrong time. Otherwise, with this person's ambition, it would not be difficult for him to unify the desert in another 20 years.
Red Lady was conferred the title of Deputy Khan of the Mongolian Prairie, Queen of the Northern Kingdom, and received a large number of nominal fiefs. Now, she was working hard to turn the nominal territory into reality. Taking advantage of the disadvantageous conditions of Fire Sieve and Wala needing to bring a large number of supplies for long-distance military operations in winter, Red Lady had already gone to the Onan River region to build her own territory.
Due to the Boyan Tribe restraining Wala and Fire Sieve, the Duoyan Three Guards and the City Priest Nu were completely on the defensive, Red Lady had now conquered many tribes and brought them under her control. She even recruited some of the brave Mongolian warriors into her own troops.
Her campaign was actually secretly cooperated with the City Priest Nu's military and Cheng Qiyun provided a large amount of economic assistance. Otherwise, this White Coat Army would have frozen to death and starved to death on that snow-covered land. But for Boyan Mengke who was unaware of this, in addition to marveling at the amazing fighting power of the White Coat Army, he could only secretly regret that he overestimated the military power of the Wala Tribe in the Onan River region.
But now, he could only be jealous, but he could not fight with Yang Ying for territory. There was another person who was also jealous. She was jealous, but she could make a substantial response. That was Cheng Qiyun.
An army of more than ten thousand people could not survive by relying on plundering in the winter grasslands. Moreover, that piece of land had already been conferred to her by Boyan Khan. Once the tribes were conquered, they had to be treated as her own people. She could not carry out slaughter and plunder without any scruples. Red Lady could guarantee that she could move freely in the desert grasslands with sufficient supplies because of the material support provided by Cheng Qiyun.
Half of the hard work was done by Cheng Qiyun, but the credit was shining on Red Lady's head. Now that she had obtained the title of Queen, wouldn't she ride on her head in the future? Cheng Qiyun had always been proud and arrogant. Of course, she was unwilling, but with Red Lady's special identity, this task was destined to be completed by her.
Cheng Qiyun did not want to ruin Yang Ling's plan, but she was also unwilling to let Red Lady monopolize this glory. After thinking about it, she believed that since Yang Ling's intention was to completely solve the threat of the Northern Frontier, then for the Mongolian grasslands ruled by Boyan, Huo Zhe, and Yi Buka, these heroes of the grasslands, he must first conquer them with force before ruling them with culture. Using the army on a large scale was only a matter of time.
With this judgment, coupled with the fact that Cheng Qiyun had enough manpower and material resources in her hands, as well as a female officer like Adeni, she came up with a bold idea. She would be in charge of the overall situation, and with Adeni as the instructor and general, she would form a mercenary army under the name of the commander-in-chief of the army.
This was an army composed of the herdsmen of the Yang Family's Pasture, migrating Han people, wandering Tatars, Jurchens, and even warriors among the slaves captured from Japan and Korea.
Although this private army was of mixed races, the selection was extremely harsh. You could be a cowardly and honest herdsman or farmer, but you must have the physical conditions to become a valiant warrior.
It didn't matter if your mentality was like a sheep. The devil-like commander Cheng Qiyun and the demonic instructor Adeni naturally had a way to make you fierce and brave, but if your body was as weak as a rabbit, they couldn't turn you into a lion. Although the mercenary army recruited people who had no food or clothing, Cheng Qiyun was building mercenaries, not a charity hall. This army was now being formed, trained, and was completely under military control.
Cheng Qiyun was certain that Red Lady was relying on Boyan Meng's protection for the time being. However, when the pasture became plentiful at the beginning of spring, it would be the time when the battle for the grassland would be in full swing again. At that time, even if Red Lady could quickly subdue the Tatar tribes in her territory, she would still be the weakest among these forces. At that time, her hidden force might come in handy.
The only role of this mercenary army was to destroy and fight. They could keep the spoils of war, and other than the daily necessities of military pay, they would be paid according to the number of people they killed. In other words, their wealth could only be obtained from the battlefield, and only by fighting could they make a fortune. This was a professional army in the true sense, and war was their only profession to make a living.
Adeni, that elegant and noble baroness, under the bewitchment of Cheng Qiyun, actually became the first mercenary leader of the Ming Destiny Dynasty. Yang Ling imagined a beautiful female officer in a well-ironed military uniform, with long legs and a slender waist, walking gracefully on the green grassland, followed by a group of beast-like warriors who seemed to have come from the wilderness. He couldn't help but feel a little strange.
The mercenaries formed by Cheng Qiyun were equivalent to a secret reserve team of the White Army. It was indeed more appropriate to have such an army, but privately forming an army … Even though they had the name of a regiment commander, it was, to a large extent, a completely autonomous army. This was contrary to the original intention of using the ranch as a cover to form a small mobile armed force.
Yang Ling frowned and thought about the possible adverse reactions, but finally decided not to comment on it for the time being. It was impossible for him to understand the situation thousands of miles away better than Cheng Qiyun, and it was impossible for Cheng Qiyun not to consider these concerns.
In the area where the imperial court was still unable to effectively implement its rule, where various forces and clans intersected, it could not be speculated by the experience and situation under the mature and effective rule of the mainland. Cheng Qiyun definitely knew better than him how to maximize her role, protect herself, and fight against the enemy.
Yang Ling sighed. It was better not to interfere too much and let her do what she wanted. However, in this kind of battlefield of blood and fire, the result of success and failure was life and death. These were three beautiful wives, the stakes were too big!
※ ※ ※
"Don't be afraid. I used the best immortal herbs. Even if they don't have any effect, they won't turn into poison," Zhang Fubao said with a straight face.
"Yes, yes, yes, of course I believe Eldest Miss!" Tong Zifeng, the Taoist who had been dragged over to test the elixir, was grinding his teeth. Of course, he had not seen elixirs before, but elixirs should not look like this. The two black pills were scorched on the surface.
Zhang Fubao patted him on the shoulder and said generously, "Every time I refine elixirs, I make detailed records. This time is the most successful. You are my best friend, so I let you test the elixir. Once you succeed, you will be ranked among the immortals. Others do not have this fate. "
"Yes, yes, yes. Thank you for your appreciation, Eldest Miss." Zi Feng said with a bitter expression. He held the medicine in his hands and looked at Zhang Fubao, whose face had been rubbed like a cat's. He still had to put on an expression of gratitude. It was really hard on him.
"Eat it, hurry up and eat it," Zhang Fubao said confidently. "I want to record all the changes that happen after you eat it. You have to tell me everything you feel. If you fail, I can find the root of the problem."
Zifeng was used to being ordered around by Eldest Miss Zhang since he was young. Although he was afraid, he did not have the courage to refuse. He closed his eyes and suddenly stuffed the two black pills into his mouth.
A bowl of clear water was immediately handed to him. At the same time, a pair of big hopeful eyes stared at him nervously and asked, "How is it? How is it? Does your body feel lighter? Does it feel like you want to fly? "
"I … I haven't swallowed it yet," Zifeng stammered with the pills in his mouth.
Zhang Fubao panicked. "Then hurry up and swallow it!"
"Too … too big," Zifeng said with his tongue hanging out.
"Slap." He was slapped on the forehead. "Then chew it and eat it."
"Bam … bam bam …" The two hard bean-like pills were chewed to pieces. Zifeng smacked his lips and suddenly opened his eyes. "Huh? It looks pretty ugly, but it tastes pretty good. It's a little sour, a little spicy, and there's a strong aroma. It's so, so strong … "
Seeing that Zifeng was having difficulty swallowing, Zhang Fubao hurriedly said, "Come, come, drink some water. Use it to wash it down."
"Gulp, gulp." After drinking a large bowl of clear water, Zifeng's little belly bulged and he even burped.
Zhang Fubao stared at him. Seeing that his thin little face was slowly turning red, he hurriedly asked, "How do you feel now? Does your body feel lighter? Do you feel like you want to fly? "
"Yes …" Zifeng's eyes widened. He felt everything in front of him become hazy. He felt dizzy. In front of him, Zhang Fubao's incarnation seemed to also be flying. "Eldest Miss, I feel like my body is as light as a swallow, and I feel like I want to fly."
"Really? I've succeeded? " Zhang Fubao was wild with joy. He hurriedly rushed forward and grabbed him. "Don't be in such a hurry to fly. Tell me quickly, what changes have happened to your body? You … Aiyo, your body is as light as a swallow my ass. You're crushing me to death. Hurry and get up."
Zhang Fubao was crushed to the ground. Zifeng was lying on her back. Hearing Eldest Miss's instructions, he groggily crawled up. Suddenly, a surge of blood rushed to his head. He staggered to his feet, straightened his waist, and struck a pose. He shouted, "Old loach, stop!"
Zhang Fubao crawled up and patted the dust off his clothes. He looked at him in shock and said, "Stupid brat, what did you say?"
Child Taoist Zifeng swung his sleeves and recited shakily, "Little Nezha wreaked havoc in the Jinglong Palace. The Old Dragon King threatened Chentang. The father destroyed his son's golden statue in anger. The teacher was merciful and bestowed a lotus robe to the disciple."
After he finished speaking, he let out a loud burp that reeked of alcohol. Zhang Fubao choked and covered his nose as he retreated. Child Taoist Zifeng raised his hand and sang angrily, "I, the Third Prince, rode the Wind Flame Wheel, held the Fire-tipped Spear, and went to the Dragon Palace of the East Sea for sightseeing. Clang! Clang clang clang … "As he said this, he staggered out of the Elixir Room, beating the drums as he floated out.
Zhang Fubao couldn't help laughing. He felt like laughing. "It can't be, right? Why is he acting like a drunkard? This pill of mine … What kind of immortal is this? Immortal in wine? "
She knew that Zifeng usually liked to go to the foot of the mountain to watch dramas. He could recite the lyrics of 'Nezha Wreaking Havoc in the Sea' backwards. She didn't know how her pill became a drunkard's pill. He ate it until he was drunk, that's why he was talking nonsense. But he was his childhood playmate after all. She couldn't stop worrying about him. She hurriedly chased after him and walked out.
Yang Ling was wearing a white robe with arrow sleeves. He had just performed a set of swordplay in the garden of the central hall at the side of the 'Pot Immortal Hall'. He stopped and stood still. The environment here was quiet and elegant. Beside him was a strange stone with the four words' Dao is Pure and Void 'written on it. The garden of the central hall wasn't very big, but it was connected to the central hall, the back hall, the patio, and the side rooms. The floor was paved with green stones, and the four walls were richly ornamented. It was magnificent.
Yang Ling breathed in and out for a while. Just as he was about to return to the VIP room, he saw a Taoist Priest with a red face walking towards him. He had been in the mansion for the past two days. He knew that this Taoist Boy, who could come and go as he pleased, was Little Celestial Master Fu Bao's childhood playmate. But this Taoist Boy knew his place, so he was usually very well-behaved. How could he dare to come out of the Celestial Master's mansion while singing opera lyrics?
While he was puzzled, Zifeng saw him standing in the middle of the courtyard with a sword in his hand. He couldn't help but be shocked and angry. He said, "Ao Guang, you're bullying us again?"
Yang Ling looked left and right, his face full of confusion. Then he saw Zifeng striding towards him and singing, "You say I hurt your life, life to pay. If I'm the one hurt, who's the one hurt? Now you're forcing your life, if I'm the one who pays, who's the one who pays? Since this matter is on me, if I'm the one who bears the responsibility, who's the one who bears the responsibility? How can a man not do this? How can you disturb my noble hall? This behavior is worthy of calling yourself the Dragon King! "
With each step he said, Yang Ling took a step back. At this time, he also smelled the alcohol on Zifeng's breath. He knew that this Taoist Priest was drunk and acting crazy. Just as he was at a loss of whether to laugh or cry, Zhang Fubao ran out with his black and white cat face. As soon as he saw Zifeng, he quickly grabbed him and said to Yang Ling with a dry laugh, "He … he's drunk. Don't blame him, don't blame him."
Taoist Priest Zifeng was still unwilling to give up. He opened his drunken eyes and shouted, "Who are you?"
Zhang Fubao pinched his nose and said, "I … I'm Golden Cloud Child, your Senior Martial Brother. Hurry, hurry, hurry, come with me. Master is looking for you."
Zifeng stared at him carefully. The person in front of him was indeed familiar. Only then did he believe her and said, "Ah! Master wants me to go? Then we can't delay any longer. Senior Martial Brother, let's ride the clouds and quickly return to the mountain. "
Zhang Fubao was filled with hatred and anger. He accompanied Zi Feng back to the Misty Temple. The Temple Master saw that it was Eldest Miss Zhang who had caused trouble, so he couldn't say anything. He hurriedly called a few disciples to help Zi Feng into the temple. After seeing that he was only drunk, he poured two pots of cold tea for him, and then he fell asleep on the brick bed. Only then did Zhang Fubao return to his residence with a peace of mind.
When Zhang Fubao returned to the mansion, she saw Yang Ling sitting in the main hall of the 'Pot Immortal Hall'. He saw her figure from afar and called out, "Fu Bao, come here!"
Little Fu Bao pouted and walked into the central hall angrily. She glared at him and said, "How dare you call my maiden name so casually? High Duke, men and women should not touch each other. "
Yang Ling sat steadily with a teacup in his hand. He crossed his legs and said with a smile, "You also know that men and women should not touch each other? No matter what, your brother and I are very good brothers. When he's not at home, I have to take care of things that are not pleasing to the eye. "
Yang Ling softened his tone and said, "Fu Bao, you're not a little girl anymore. You've grown up and become a big girl. You have to know how to avoid suspicion. Look at yourself now, you look like you've just crawled out of the kitchen pit. Not only that, you even made a Taoist drunk. Wouldn't it be bad if the news got out?"
Zhang Fubao's face was red, but she couldn't tell him about the cultivation elixir.
Yang Ling also didn't want to embarrass her too much, so he just gave her some advice and said, "Zhang in the South and Kong in the North are both prestigious families that have not declined for thousands of years. As a member of the Zhang family, you should be careful and self-reflective. It's okay to be a little lively, but it's best not to hang out with men too often. Especially when it comes to drinking, it's even worse. As a girl, once you make a mistake, it'll be hard to turn back."
When Zhang Fubao heard him describe her in such an unbearable manner, as if he was worried that she would do something that would bring shame to the family's reputation, she couldn't help but feel angry. Fortunately, Yang Ling only said a few words and let it go. He put down his teacup and stood up, saying, "I'm going back. Fu Bao, my words are for your own good. I hope you can think about it."
Zhang Fubao looked at his departing back and made a face in annoyance. She angrily sat on the chair and thought for a while. Today, Zi Feng had eaten the elixir and was completely drunk. If she wanted to fool this guy who was as timid as a mouse and continue testing the elixir, she was afraid that he wouldn't be willing. However, how could her great goal of becoming a celestial be thwarted because of this?
Her eyes turned, and Zhang Fubao suddenly thought of Yang Ling, who had arrogantly taught her a lesson just now. This nine-lives strange cat that can't die is actually a good medicine cauldron for testing elixirs. If I fail, I'll let him suffer a bit and treat it as a lesson. If I succeed … I'll treat it as me returning him a favor. I, Zhang Fubao, clearly distinguish between kindness and hatred. In order to save me in the past, it's not like I don't know how to repay the kindness of the Blood Bath Heavy Robe.
Thinking of this, Zhang Fubao excitedly jumped up and rushed to the pill room.
Unfortunately, the precious medicinal ingredients that she had stolen from her brother were all used up again. Zhang Fubao immediately ran to the back of the house. Her mother saw her precious daughter rummaging through the Taoist Master's medicine box again and couldn't help but worry, "Daughter, what kind of elixir are you refining? These medicinal ingredients are all extremely expensive and rare. You've almost grabbed all of them. Be careful that your brother comes back and punishes you."
As Zhang Fubao asked for the medicinal ingredients, she said nonchalantly, "I won't. Brother wouldn't dare to do anything to me. When he comes back, I'll just say that I gave it to Duke to make some nourishing medicine. Isn't that fine? Will he still go and ask Yang Ling? "
She grabbed all the medicinal ingredients and saw that there wasn't much left in the medicine box. It wasn't enough for another round of refining. She couldn't help but cast a greedy gaze at an old red sandalwood medicine box in the corner.
Her mother said with trepidation, "What are you going to do now? That's the medicine box that your father left behind. Only your brother has the key. You can't just touch it. "
Zhang Fubao chuckled and said, "Don't worry. This medicine is enough for me to refine again. I won't touch it now. Mother, I still have something to do. I'll leave first! "
Zhang Fubao carried the bag and left, leaving her mother to sigh helplessly and shake her head with a bitter smile.
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"What is this? Is it black? Is it yellow? " Yang Ling stirred it a few times with a spoon and sniffed it with his nose, "There's a fishy smell. Is this sesame paste or oil tea noodles?"
"This … This is the medicinal cuisine that I made. It's very nourishing. Uh … This is my first time making it. After listening to Duke's lecture last time, I deeply agree with you. I originally wanted to learn how to do needlework, but my fingers hurt too much. I think I'll learn how to cook first. This is the first pot of soup that I've successfully made after many failures. I've tried it. Although it doesn't look good, it tastes good. So I brought it here for Duke to try."
Zhang Fubao said timidly. She was afraid that he would not take it. This time, the two elixirs were successfully refined. In order to let Yang Ling eat it without suspicion, she fixed a medicinal mortar on the elixirs. She used a brick to smash the elixirs for a long time before she finally smashed the two 'Golden Elixirs' that were harder than iron and stone. She used boiling water to make a paste.
Yang Ling looked at the soot on her face that had yet to be wiped clean and felt a little touched. This lass … She wasn't a bad person at heart. Previously, her face was also covered in soot. He reckoned that she had a special liking for cooking. That drunk little Daoist had most likely gotten drunk when he tasted the dishes she made.
Thinking of this, Yang Ling put on the airs of a big brother. He smiled and nodded, "Good, very good. Haha, then I'll try your cooking."
He stirred a little, then scooped up a spoonful of black paste and put it into his mouth. Zhang Fubao stared at him with a pair of bright eyes and said, "How is it?"
"Oh? Hmm … Hmm … It's not bad. There seems to be a bitter taste in the mouth, but when I taste it carefully, it seems to have a faint fragrance. If it wasn't burned too much, the taste would be even sweeter. "
Zhang Fubao did not care about the taste. What she cared about was the effect of the medicine. When she heard Yang Ling say that the taste was not bad, she quickly said, "Then you quickly eat it. Haha, my painstaking efforts were not in vain."
"It's really bad! But … if I eat all of it, this girl will be encouraged. Maybe in the future, she will become a good cook. She will have excellent culinary skills, and after she marries as a wife, she will at least have some skills. "
Thinking about this, Yang Ling held his breath and nodded. He quickly gulped down the bowl of black porridge, then hurriedly drank a few mouthfuls of tea.
Zhang Fubao looked at him up and down. After a while, she finally could not hold back, "Yang Guogong, what do you think?"
Yang Ling smiled and said, "It's not bad. I drank it all. It's my first time making it like this. It's already very good."
Zhang Fubao patted her forehead and asked in confusion, "You … After drinking it, you don't feel anything else?"
Yang Ling asked, "What feeling? It's the feeling of eating porridge. " He slowly picked up the teacup and gently sipped the tea. He smiled and looked at Fu Bao. His eyes were full of praise.
Zhang Fubao was a little flustered and exasperated, "How can there be no reaction? Could it be that after soaking it in boiling water, it lost its medicinal properties? "
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, one of Yang Ling's bodyguards and a Daoist Priest burst through the door at the same time. They were in such a rush that their shoulders bumped into each other, causing them to stumble. Yang Ling and Zhang Fubao turned their heads, but before they could ask, the two of them had already rushed to report, "Duke (Young Mistress), the Emperor has arrived at Mount Longhu!"
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