The next day, Zhang Yu changed into his teacher's robes. Bringing Xia Jian with him, he stepped out of the academy and rode a carriage toward the east.
Most of the Governor-General's officials preferred to live in the eastern part of the city. It occupied a relatively large area, and the terrain was relatively high. There were mountains and rivers, dense forests, and the environment was serene.
It was Zhang Yu's first time here. Along the way, he saw that almost everyone who lived here had their own private residences and gardens. They were either hidden deep in the forest, on high hills, or by the banks of streams.
However, if one wanted to live here without the status of a Governor-General, they would have to pay a large sum of money every year. Thus, apart from the officials, only a few wealthy merchants could live here.
After traveling for about half a summer, the carriage stopped in front of a large residence.
A gatekeeper was already waiting here. Seeing the carriage arrive, he immediately came down to greet and receive the visiting card. Before long, the door opened and a group of people came out to welcome them.
Zhang Yu looked over and saw a mature man wearing a scarlet robe and wearing a round collar. This was probably Jiang Dingyi.
He sized this person up for a moment. This person was about forty years old, had relaxed eyebrows, bright eyes, and was gentle and elegant. There was a large group of people following behind him, and it seemed that most of them were people with spirited eyes and strong bones.
Jiang Dingyi saw Zhang Yu standing there with his sleeves fluttering in the wind. His expression revealed a hint of amazement, but he quickly restrained himself. Clasping his hands together, he said with a smile, "Lord Zhang, I've long admired your elegant demeanor. Today, I see that you are indeed worthy of being a Xuanfu celestial cultivator."
Zhang Yu returned the greeting and said, "You flatter me."
Hearing him use this form of address, Jiang Dingyi knew that the matter was settled and was very happy.
Although he was in a high position, he was not a serious person. On the contrary, he was very humorous. After greeting Zhang Canzhi, he laughed and said, "Zhang Canzhi, today I am talking about personal friendship with you. There shouldn't be so many people here. It's just that a sharp sword is hanging above my head. I have no choice but to do this." He pointed to his own head and said, "I feel most at ease leaving this good head here."
Zhang Yu could understand. Anyone who knew that someone wanted to assassinate them would probably not be able to sleep well. With more people around, regardless of whether it was useful or not, at least they would feel at ease.
After chatting for a while outside, Jiang Dingyi invited him into the house.
This was a private garden in the style of Tianxia. It was built on top of a rather large pool of fresh water. Exquisite and unique water corridors circled around here, distributed at different heights. It could be said that there were scenic spots everywhere.
In the middle of the pool, there were islands, Xiangzhou, flying rainbow corridors, and resting pavilions. It could be seen that there were many women with slender waists holding fans, playing flutes and zithers, causing several red-crowned cranes in the water pavilions to dance.
Jiang Dingyi led him to a three-story water courtyard located in Xiangzhou. Most of the attendants who followed him in and out were left outside. Only a young man of about twenty years old holding a sword followed him in.
Zhang Yu could see that this young man should have practiced some breathing techniques.
This was not strange. In the past, the old cultivators had passed down many breathing techniques to strengthen the body. However, these people did not receive the true teachings and could only strengthen their bodies. Perhaps they were much stronger than ordinary people, but could not enter the door of cultivation.
The two of them sat down on the highest observation deck of the water courtyard. From here, they leaned against the railing and looked down. A gentle breeze blew. Below them, lotus flowers bloomed, red and green intertwined, lotus roots and leaves floating in the air. Occasionally, cranes would fly by. It could be said that the scenery was pleasant and the scenery was just right.
Jiang Dingyi exchanged a few words with him and said apologetically, "Zhang Jun, although I am an Administrator, according to the yamen's rules, I can only give you the position of an Administrator. With Zhang Jun's ability, it is indeed a bit unfair for you."
Zhang Yu said, "Administrator, you are too serious. I am a cultivator. After this matter, I will still return to Xuanfu."
The two of them had only spoken a few words when a servant came up from below and whispered something to the young guard. The latter then walked over to the two of them and cupped his hands towards Jiang Dingyi, saying, "Manager …"
Jiang Dingyi said unhappily, "Didn't I tell you not to disturb me when I am talking to Zhang Jun?"
The young guard hurriedly said, "Master Qin is back …"
Jiang Dingyi said calmly, "I do not wish to repeat my words a second time."
Although he was not angry, he had a dignified manner. The young guard did not dare to say anything more. He lowered his head and said, "Yes." He cupped his hands and slowly retreated.
Jiang Dingyi turned around and said to Zhang Yu, "Zhang Jun, please do not blame me. I am now relying on the protection of Swordmaster Qin, who was recommended by this good friend of mine. Xiao Zhan is his disciple. Swordmaster Qin's swordsmanship is not bad, but he is a bit arrogant and has an air of arrogance. Although I do not like him, I still need to use him."
At this moment, Zhang Yu could feel a scorching aura below like a raging fire. It should be Swordmaster Qin. Although he was not a cultivator, from his aura, he had almost reached the limit of what an ordinary person could achieve.
Those Xuanxiu who had only learned a few seals might not be a match for him in a head-on fight. If he had a divine weapon in hand, he would be able to unleash several times his own combat strength.
With such a person around, there was usually no need to be afraid of being assassinated. However, if EsGod and supernatural forces were to interfere, it would exceed the limits of what they could handle.
The two of them enjoyed the scenery while drinking tea and chatting. Their topics ranged from the mountains and rivers to the customs of the people. At this moment, Jiang Dingyi changed the topic and said, "Zhang Jun, do you know the current situation of the Protectorate General?"
Zhang Yu nodded and said, "I know a little about it."
Jiang Dingyi stood up and walked to the jade railing. He looked into the distance with his hands behind his back and sighed. "Ever since the Battle of the Honghe River sixty years ago, Tianxia's elites in the Protectorate General were all lost. Now that the tide is about to recede, the people's hearts are in turmoil. Many people in the Protectorate General are thinking of overthrowing the fire beacon, intending to cut ties with Tianxia. Hmph, how can I let them do as they wish!"
He turned around and sighed. "It's a pity that the Protectorate General's position is also wavering. If Governor Yang Xuan had been more firm back then, it wouldn't be the current situation."
Zhang Yu thought for a moment and agreed with this opinion.
After the Turbid Tide had arrived, the Blood Sun Ancient Kingdom had recovered. Many ancient gods and countless warriors from the previous era had awakened from their long slumber.
Facing the tide of enemies, the Protectorate General, which had only been established for forty years, was in imminent danger. At that time, Governor Guan Zheng had made a prompt decision and led the army to meet the enemy head-on.
The results of this battle were great. The gods that had just recovered from the Blood Sun Ancient Kingdom were almost completely wiped out. However, the Protectorate General had also suffered heavy losses. Governor Guan Zheng had died in battle, and less than a tenth of the elite army had survived. Later on, the main losses of Xuanfu and the Army of God had come from this battle.
However, although the enemy had temporarily retreated, there were still some forces left. They used the ancient altars in the An Mountains to make sacrifices and revive the gods. At the same time, they used the name of the Blood Sun Ancient Kingdom to summon the EsGods of many barbarian tribes inland.
At this time, Deputy Governor Yang Gong had succeeded the position of Governor. After realizing this situation, Tianxia men under the age of sixty took the initiative to attack. After paying a great price, they once again inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. However, because the Turbid Tide was still there, if the source was not stopped, there was still a possibility of recovery.
When Yang Gong was preparing to send his troops, he discovered a problem. He did not have many Tianxia soldiers by his side. Due to his heavy injuries, he could not personally lead the troops.
Under such circumstances, he ordered his son, Yang Xuan, to send troops north.
Yang Xuan was of mixed Xia 'an blood. His mother was a female chief of the An people. However, he had been influenced by the etiquette and music of Tianxia since he was young and could be considered an orthodox Tianxia person.
After receiving the order, he once again sent out sixty thousand troops. More than half of them were the An people, and the rest were the old Tianxia soldiers and mixed-bloods.
When he reached the Honghe Pass, Yang Gong was already unable to hold on. After leaving behind his last words, he died from his injuries. Yang Xuan was elected as Governor under the witness of all parties. He led his troops into the An Mountains and fought several battles in succession. The Blood Sun Ancient Kingdom forces west of the An Mountains were swept clean. The ancient altars were also overturned, achieving glorious results.
However, there were still some remnant forces of the Blood Sun Ancient Kingdom that fled into the depths of the An Mountains. This was also the biggest problem that the Governor's Office would face in the future.
However, the turning point was here.
Many traditionalists believed that if Yang Xuan had stood firmly on the side of the Xuanfu Academy, then the Army of God would have been suppressed in time by the combined power of Xuanfu and the Commissar. There would not have been so many problems later.
However, he did not do anything. He only maintained the balance on the surface before retreating behind the scenes.
Three years ago, Yang Xuan died of illness, and his son, Yang Jue, succeeded him.
Although Yang Jue was young, because the Yang clan had won the hearts of the people, the Xia and An people had no objections. Moreover, the Yang clan had not paid any attention to the specific matters of governance for more than fifty years, so all parties tacitly agreed to this succession.
However, as the turbid tide receded, the situation began to change.
It must be known that nothing in the Governor-General's Office conformed to Tianxia's etiquette.
The original officials of the Governor-General's Office, regardless of rank, were all nominally conferred by the locals. Now, the majority of them were privately conferred by the Governor-General's Office, and half of them were An people and mixed-bloods.
More importantly, if one were to seriously investigate, even the current Governor himself did not conform to the etiquette. When the time came, would Tianxia admit to it?
This was also the greatest problem facing the traditionalists. Other than themselves, almost no one was willing to stand on their side.
Jiang Dingyi looked down at the flowing water and used a single sentence to evaluate the situation in the Governor-General's Office. "Although the turbid tide outside is about to recede, the turbid tide in the hearts of the people is still there!"
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