Chapter 101 The Beauty of Distance
“It doesn’t matter if it’s useful or not!
All I want is an excuse to attack the prince!

And it’s even better that Ming Wang has an ending!
By then, he will change from a high and mighty judge to an opponent in the court, and it will be easier to deal with him!"

Zhao Yugang explained the reasons why he kept throwing dirty water on the prince.

"Grandpa, I don't agree with your approach!

We don't have enough power to fight against my father now!

My father has been sitting on the throne of the Ming King for more than thirty years.

Many masters in the court have a good relationship with my father!
In addition, there are some forces and masters in the martial arts world who are on good terms with my father and are loyal to him.

Once my father takes action personally!

Even if I already possess the combat power of a Grandmaster and join forces with you, there are only two Grandmasters on our side.

He will be crushed by my father!

This doesn’t even include the military’s influence!”

Zhu Chengwu never thought that forcing King Ming to take action personally was a good option.

Zhu Chengwu still wanted to keep Prince Ming neutral as much as possible, or at least not turn to the Crown Prince too quickly...

Then, during the period of Ming King's hesitation, we should create a powerful situation and finally force Ming King to hand over power relatively peacefully.

Once King Ming comes out in person and confronts him head-on, it will be very disadvantageous for Zhu Chengwu!
Not only is he at a disadvantage in terms of strength, but King Ming's power is undoubtedly the strongest in the Ming court.

It was also disadvantageous in terms of public opinion, as the Ming King was both the father and the monarch, and he occupied all the righteous positions.

It is even more of an emotional disadvantage. Prince Ming is good to Zhu Chengwu. When facing Prince Ming head-on, the psychological hurdle is the first thing Zhu Chengwu needs to face.

"Brother Wu, after all these years, do you still hope to have a chance to ascend to the throne peacefully?
Will the Ming King make you the crown prince?

After all these years, I finally understand!

Your father will never choose you as the crown prince!"

Zhao Yugang tried to persuade Zhu Chengwu to join him in bringing down the Ming King.

One is that Zhao Yuguang really believed that it would be easier to deal with the enemy after King Ming personally took action.

Secondly, after King Ming personally died, Zhu Chengwu became more dependent on Zhao and Queen Zhao in order to oppose King Ming's righteousness as a father and a monarch.

Even at this time, Zhao Yuguang was still constantly striving for the best answer for the Zhao family.

Third, King Ming had been plotting against and suppressing the Zhao family and Zhao Yuguang for decades. Now that he had the chance, Zhao Yuguang naturally wanted to take revenge.

Don’t think that high-ranking officials don’t have love, hate, and emotions!
There is also love, hate and vengeance among big shots!
It's just that they are extremely intelligent and have strong control, so they usually don't show it.

But once there is an opportunity, or once they can no longer tolerate it, the love and hatred between them will have a huge impact far beyond the expectations of ordinary people.

"Grandpa!
I said it before!
To become the next Ming King, you don’t necessarily need to be a prince first!

They are not necessary and sufficient conditions!
Do as I say!"

Zhu Chengwu reiterated the idea that becoming a Ming king and becoming a crown prince are not necessary and sufficient conditions.

At the same time, his words firmly stated that Zhao should act according to his will.

As Zhu Chengwu finished speaking, the friendly atmosphere that Zhao Yuguang and Zhu Chengwu had tacitly communicated and opened up to each other more in an attempt to bring them closer was completely destroyed.

Just now, Zhu Chengwu and Zhao Yuguang talked more and more, and the conversation became deeper and deeper. Why was that?
Is it really a good relationship?

Stop being funny!

Nothing touching happened, so how could the relationship between Zhu Chengwu and Zhao Yuguang suddenly improve?

It’s because Zhu Chengwu and Zhao Yuguang both know that they are natural allies and that the relationship is mutually beneficial.

If you say one more word, I will take over and go a little deeper...

In this way, the relationship between the two parties will be broken through constant conversation, forming a renewed tacit understanding and way of getting along.

But unexpectedly, as they communicated, Zhu Chengwu and Zhao Yuguang would eventually have a major disagreement on whether to force Ming Wang to face off.

And neither side seems willing to back down.

"All right!
Listen to you!
Just hope you won't regret your decision today!

Brother Wu!! "

Zhao Yuguang felt that the earth and fire energies around him seemed to be a little restless, and finally he chose to give in.

Zhu Chengwu's current strength is no longer something he can easily suppress!
And Zhu Chengwu is only in his 20s~~
Being young is often an advantage!
Considering the future, it is indeed the Zhao family that needs Zhu Chengwu more now!

Therefore, Zhao Yuguang had to give in.

However, in the end, Zhao Yuguang still left a nail: "I hope Zhu Chengwu will not regret today's decision in the future."

"Do not worry!

Grandpa!

I never regret my decisions!

Whether he decides to come to Xuzhou City to be enfeoffed, or decides to marry Cui's daughter, or stands with Zhao to seize that position! "

As Zhao Yugang gave in, Zhu Chengwu's tone also relaxed a little.

After all, Zhao is Zhu Chengwu's most steadfast and most suitable partner now.

The restless fire and earth energies around also began to calm down.

In the end, it was just a means for Zhu Chengwu to show his strength and deterrence.

Instead, Zhu Chengwu really wanted to fight with Zhao Yuguang.

“Just don’t regret it!

But, Brother Wu, I heard you say before that you would try out Wu Tianxia in two months!
Invite all the masters and the best in the Ming Dynasty!
Are you sure?
Isn’t that too risky? "

Zhao Yugang felt Zhu Chengwu's relaxed tone.

Then he took the opportunity to change the subject.

“Winning or losing is not important to me!

After all, I'm still young!

As long as I don’t die, the future will be mine!

This time, I only wanted them to confirm my master's combat power and increase their confidence and fear!

However, because of the martial arts competition, my energy will inevitably be distracted by martial arts training and some miscellaneous matters...

To the court...

Maybe I won’t have much energy to balance both!

Grandpa, you have extensive experience in court affairs!
It all depends on you and Zhao!
But, there is one thing I want to reiterate, don't push my father completely to the side of the crown prince!

It would be great if we could use the matter of Zhu Zhiying and the Demon Cult to cause trouble for the prince this time!
But if you fail to throw dirty water, don't be too anxious!
Grandpa, time is on our side!"

Despite his concern for Zhao Yuguang, which was obviously a digression, Zhu Chengwu directly stated the real purpose of holding the martial arts competition in two months.

After all, to ease the relationship and take it a step further, it requires the joint efforts of Zhu Chengwu and Zhao Yuguang.

Being too enthusiastic won't last long!
At the same time, Zhu Chengwu entrusted the affairs of the court to Zhao Yuguang.

The apparent reason was that Zhu Chengwu wanted to devote most of his energy to studying martial arts and preparing for the martial arts competition.

But in fact, this is a display of Zhu Chengwu's renewed trust in Zhao and Zhao Yuguang.

“Martial Arts Test Conference, since you have an idea in mind, then that’s fine!
As for the affairs of the court, don't worry!

Your uncle and his friends have become very proficient at this!"

Zhao Yuguang felt Zhu Chengwu's attitude.

At the same time, Zhu Chengwu would not be distracted by court affairs and could concentrate on preparing for the martial arts test conference in two months.

Zhu Chengwu's previous battle was not like that of Taoist Sanfeng, who killed the evil master of the Yuan Dynasty. His record was not mixed with any water.

Zhu Chengwu was a genius of the Zhu family and the legitimate son of King Ming.

One of the two masters defeated was a relative of the Zhu clan, and the other was a marquis of the Ming military. To outsiders who didn't know much about it, this record might be fake.

Some people with ulterior motives might even deliberately spread the word that the Duke of Yan and the Marquis of the Northwest had "let things slide"!

This is to lower the "gold content" of Zhu Chengwu's performance!
This will prevent Zhu Chengwu from really gaining the most reputation and support in the martial arts world.

The martial arts competition in two months will be a good opportunity to dispel doubts.

Perhaps, this opportunity can be used to attract more forces to Zhu Chengwu.

"Grandpa, in order to avoid the embarrassing situation of not having a heavyweight force participating in the martial arts competition, we need to lower its value and influence!

Maybe you need to mobilize some of your old friends to show your support!"

Since Zhu Chengwu and Zhao Yuguang have already reached a tacit understanding and neither side has the intention of reducing the intensity of cooperation, Zhu Chengwu will not be polite.

Zhao Yuguang would be asked to use his decades of connections to increase the weight of the martial arts test in two months.

Zhu Chengwu’s request made Zhao Yuguang feel nervous!
How rude and direct!

As expected, he is the straightforward Wu Ge!
“I do have a few friends!
But every grandmaster is the ancestor and mainstay of each force.

It's not easy to convince them to support you just by relying on a little relationship!

After all, your identity is special, and it is easy to fall into the whirlpool if you are given a platform!
But with the fighting power and talent you have shown now!

For some old friends in special circumstances, it is still very tempting!
Huashan Feng Qingyang, I should be confident that I can convince him to participate in the martial arts test meeting in two months!

In addition, the three young masters, the evil master Red Flower Ghost Mother, the Wudang elder Chongxu Taoist, and the Jiangnan Giant Whale Gang's Grand Elder Nie Kunpeng, should also be present!"

Zhao Yuguang thought for a moment and said so.

Although Zhao Yuguang and Zhu Chengwu had differences on some issues.

But overall, the two people's interests are consistent.

Helping Zhu Chengwu to successfully organize the martial arts test conference in two months and make it influential would also be beneficial to Zhao Yuguang and the Zhao family.

"1 Grandmaster, 3 Junior Grandmasters!
In addition, there are local forces in the provincial government near Xuzhou Prefecture and some martial artists who were attracted here!
enough!

enough! "

Zhu Chengwu was satisfied with the result.

Zhao Yuguang is indeed a master who has been famous for decades.

The network of relationships is indeed extensive!
But Zhu Chengwu does not adopt this approach of making many "friends".

Zhao Yuguang has been famous for decades, but the only "friends" he knows are Grandmaster Feng Qingyang and three junior grandmasters, Red Flower Ghost Mother, Taoist Chongxu, and Nie Kunpeng?
Far more than that!

Why could Zhao Yuguang only invite these few people?

Moreover, the reason why these people are willing to come is because Zhu Chengwu has extraordinary strength and a promising future.

Because friendships are based on interests!

If they don't have enough bargaining chips to persuade them, they won't take action even if Zhao Yuguang is their "friend".

After all, which master or junior master doesn’t have a lot of responsibilities and many “friends”!
There are many openings that cannot be opened!

With the "Jade Book" in his mind, Zhu Chengwu's upper limit is far beyond the reach of the natives of this world.

For Zhu Chengwu, the best option is to focus his energy on improving his own strength.

Once Zhu Chengwu’s power dominates the world, naturally more than 99% of the people in the world will be Zhu Chengwu’s “friends” and will be willing to become Zhu Chengwu’s “friends”!
After discussing some other things with Zhao Yuguang, Zhu Chengwu bid farewell to Zhao Yuguang and left the Xuzhou government office.

Zhu Chengwu did not say anything to ask Zhao Yuguang to return to live in Fu'an Marquis Mansion.

This is not Zhu Chengwu being unfilial!

It’s not that Zhu Chengwu has any dissatisfaction with Zhao Yuguang deep down in his heart.

It’s the tacit understanding between Zhao Yuguang and Zhu Chengwu!

It is the respect that Zhao Yuguang and Zhu Chengwu have for each other.

Before, Zhu Chengwu didn’t understand why Zhao Yugang would rather stay in the government office instead of returning to live in Fu’an Marquis’ Mansion after finishing his work.

But just now in the courtyard, when Zhu Chengwu and Zhao Yugang had some disagreements and used the Earth Core Fire Lotus to unleash their strength to prevent accidents and intimidate the other party, Zhu Chengwu discovered...

The Marquis Fu’an’s Mansion is too small!
Such a small Fu'an Marquis Mansion can accommodate two great masters.

In other words, it would be extremely irresponsible for two masters to live in the small Fu'an Marquis Mansion at the same time.

Interfering with each other during practice!
Once one grandmaster has strange thoughts, the other grandmaster may not even be able to react in time and will be ambushed.

Although Zhu Chengwu trusted Zhao Yuguang, he believed that Zhao Yuguang would not be stupid enough to plot against him!
But what about Zhao Yuguang?
Does he also trust Zhu Chengwu and believe that Zhu Chengwu will never plot against him?
Don't test people's hearts!

Don't force yourself or others, as that will only make both of you uncomfortable and embarrassed.

Only by maintaining the most basic distance between masters can the best trust be generated.

Shortly after Zhu Chengwu left the Xuzhou government office, the prefect Fu Bisheng, who was inspecting a slum in the city of Xuzhou and urging the relevant departments of the government office to carry out relief work, received the news from his confidant at the first time.

“Only Marquis Fu’an left?

Didn't Lord Zhao go back to Marquis Fu'an's mansion with Marquis Fu'an?"

The light of expectation in Fu Bisheng's eyes suddenly dimmed.

Fu Bisheng had no idea about the twists and turns between the masters, nor did he understand the tacit understanding between Zhao Yuguang and Zhu Chengwu.

Fu Bisheng was still thinking that after Zhu Chengwu arrived at the Xuzhou government office, he would be able to invite the giant Buddha statue of Zhao Yuguang back to the Fu'an Marquis Mansion!

Zhao Yuguang, a big shot in the imperial court, was staying at the Xuzhou government office, which put a lot of pressure on Fu Bisheng, the prefect.

Especially when the position of Fu Bisheng's mentor, You Ge Lao, is completely opposite to that of Zhao Yuguang.

Spending your whole life is even more stressful!
“Yes, my lord!

Marquis Fu'an did not bring old Marquis Zhao back to the Marquis Fu'an Mansion!
On the contrary, he asked us to take good care of old Marquis Zhao!
And judging from the tone of Marquis Fu'an, it seems that Old Marquis Zhao will have to stay in the government office for quite some time!"

The trusted yamen runner reported this.

"What is Marquis Fu'an doing?
Even if he is very powerful and is a new martial arts legend...

But he drove his own grandfather out of the Marquis of Fu'an Mansion and made him stay in the government office. Isn't he afraid of being criticized by the world?"

Fu Bisheng showed confusion in his eyes.

Since he took office as the prefect of Xuzhou, Fu Bisheng has had a lot of dealings with Zhu Chengwu over the years.

In Fu Bisheng's observation, although Zhu Chengwu is a martial arts fanatic, he should not be so unwise!

Kicking out your own grandfather and living with him is not what a wise person would do, and certainly not what a prince who aspires to that position should do!

The Ming Dynasty ruled the world with filial piety!
Such an unfilial act is a big minus point!
“Or is there some calculation or consideration that I’m not aware of?” Fu Bisheng pondered in his heart.

But after thinking about it, Fu Bisheng still couldn't figure out Zhu Chengwu's reasons and intentions for doing so.

However, although he was confused, Fu Bisheng was unable to ask Zhu Chengwu in person what his intention was.
The difference in status is one aspect!

More importantly, there are differences in stance and factions!

It was well known in the Ming Dynasty that Zhu Chengwu, the Marquis of Fu'an who was strongly supported by the Zhao family, had ideas about that position!

However, the ritual and legal faction led by Fu Bisheng's mentor, Lord You, was in favor of the crown prince, the eldest son, to succeed to the throne.

In order to avoid Zhu Chengwu, who is now in the limelight, didn’t you see that Fu Bisheng hid in the slums?

After finally finding an excuse to avoid him, how could Fu Bisheng be so foolish as to get back in front of Zhu Chengwu?

"I just wonder, once the news of Marquis Fu'an defeating two masters spreads, will my teacher be shaken? Will his stance change?"

Recalling Zhu Chengwu's invincible figure that day, like a god or a devil, Fu Bisheng couldn't help but look in the direction of the capital, thinking to himself.

To be honest, although their positions are different now, when Fu Bisheng thinks of the various methods Zhu Chengwu used back then, and his powerful strength that left Duke Yan and Marquis Xibei with no way out, he has the urge to jump ship and turn around and join Zhu Chengwu.

But thinking of his mentor, Lord You, who had promoted him, Fu Bisheng forced himself to suppress his inner turmoil.

However, Fu Bisheng's restless heart was suppressed!

But Fu Bisheng had no way to deal with the restless hearts of the other people in the Xuzhou government office!
In the past two days, Fu Bisheng could clearly feel that the attitude of many officials in the government office towards Marquis Fu'an and the Marquis Fu'an Mansion had changed drastically, and was full of flattery and fawning.

Human heart~
(End of this chapter)