Chapter 188: Guarding Dragon Villa
"You want to continue working with me?"

Zhu Chengwu stared at Cui Shuyun.

"Yes, what do you think, sir?"

Cui Shuyun looked at Zhu Chengwu calmly on the surface but anxiously on the inside.

"Sure, after all, you are one of the few acquaintances I have!"

Zhu Chengwu thought about it for just a moment and then agreed.

As Cui Shuyun said, they used to get along quite well.

It’s better to find someone familiar than someone new!

"Then Shuyun would like to thank you here!"

Twenty-five years ago, Cui Shuyun had never called Zhu Chengwu "Young Master" even in private, let alone in public like today.

Unexpectedly, after not seeing each other for 25 years, Cui Shuyun actually started to call Zhu Chengwu "Young Master" in public.

The world is so unpredictable. If you live long enough, you will encounter everything!

After hearing the conversation between Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun, everyone present, including the three Grandmasters Wang Taoshan, Yang Yanwu and Lu Shangjun, felt as if they were in a dreamlike illusion!

So casual?

Although Cui Shujun was Zhu Chengwu's wife before, everyone present could hear from the conversation just now that there was not much affection between Zhu Chengwu, the Marquis of Fu'an, and Cui Shujun, the legitimate daughter of the Cui family.

Rather than talking about feelings, it would be more appropriate to say that they were trading partners and cooperative partners in the past.

In fact, the relationship between Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun is consistent with most people's speculation about the relationship between Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun 25 years ago.

Everyone knows that before their marriage, Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun had no connection with each other. The reason why Zhu Chengwu married Cui Shuyun was entirely because of Cui's Earth Core Fire Lotus.

Afterwards, Cui Shuyun sat firmly in the position of the wife of Marquis Fu'an for more than three years without any wavering. Cui Shuyun's father Cui Zongyan was also highly valued by Zhu Chengwu and became an absolute senior figure in the Marquis Fu'an's mansion.

This situation was beyond the expectations of most people at the time, and made most people begin to question their speculations.

Maybe Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun had known each other privately for a long time, or maybe Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun fell in love at first sight... This became the corrected speculation of many people at that time!
Afterwards, Zhu Chengwu disappeared for no reason. Cui Shuyun remained loyal to Zhu Chengwu and even helped Zhu Xiumin, his sister-in-law, to rebuild the Fu'an Marquis Mansion. This made the world feel that there was a deep affection between Cui Shuyun and Zhu Chengwu, and that their revised guess was correct.

But what is the situation now?
First, the speculation that Cui Shuyun and Zhu Chengwu had already developed real feelings for each other was shattered.

Then, the two of them reached an agreement again, and Cui Shuyun continued to serve as Zhu Chengwu’s first wife...

This plot development really exceeded the expectations of everyone present and caught everyone by surprise.

Does Zhu Chengwu, an absolutely powerful man who won a one-on-thirteen battle in the Elbru Mountains and became the number one master among the six dynasties, understand what the position of his wife means?
Just promised it so easily?
Is this how top big shots do things?
Or is this just the interest and unique way of playing between the couple Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun?

"Who among you will stay behind to look after Xuzhou City and my sister? Don't let my sister and brother-in-law get ambushed and taken advantage of while they are seriously injured!"

Although this was the first time that Cui Shuyun called him "my dear" after all these years of marriage, and although after twenty-five years, Cui Shuyun's smile had become more mature and charming, Zhu Chengwu was not affected or confused by Cui Shuyun at all, and did not pay much attention to Cui Shuyun. Instead, he turned to look at Wang Taoshan, Yang Yanwu and Lu Shangjun and asked.

Zhu Xiumin and Li Shijie were injured by Zhu Chengwu after all. As Zhu Chengwu's most important relative 25 years ago, Zhu Chengwu did not want Zhu Xiumin to have any accident because of this serious injury.

Since Li Shijie, Zhu Xiumin's master supporter, was seriously injured, Zhu Chengwu arranged another master to fill the gap in combat power before Li Shijie recovered.

Of course, the other vacancies could not be filled by the masters arranged by Zhu Chengwu, so Zhu Xiumin and Li Shijie would have to fill them themselves after they recovered from their injuries.

Zhu Chengwu's action of arranging a master and his words just now calling Li Shijie his brother-in-law also meant to support his sister Zhu Xiumin.

After understanding everything clearly, Zhu Chengwu realized that Zhu Xiumin and Cui Shuyun, the sister-in-law, must have experienced a lot of hardships in the past twenty-five years.

Just like Zhu Qinyu and Huang Yuxiang after the fall of Xuzhou Marquis Mansion.

Thinking of this, Zhu Chengwu suddenly felt a little more understanding and sympathy for Zhu Qinyu and Huang Yuxiang who had plotted against him right here.

However, Zhu Chengwu had a little more understanding and sympathy for Zhu Qinyu and Huang Yuxiang.

But the two people who can best understand Zhu Qinyu and Huang Yuxiang's mood are probably Cui Shuyun and Zhu Xiumin, a pair of sisters-in-law with similar relationships, identities, and experiences!
Because he had a little more understanding and sympathy for the suffering Zhu Xiumin and Cui Shuyun had endured during the twenty-five years of his disappearance, Zhu Chengwu was willing to make some compensation within his ability and without affecting himself.

This is also one of the reasons why Zhu Chengwu so readily agreed to let Cui Shuyun continue to be his wife.

In the final analysis, all the sophistry cannot cover up the guilt that Zhu Chengwu knows deep in his heart.

If he wants to make that slight guilt disappear completely and not affect Zhu Chengwu's efforts to become a Grandmaster, the best way is to make up for it slowly.

Until Zhu Chengwu has a clear conscience!
"My Lord, I will stay!"

As Zhu Chengwu finished speaking, Lu Shangjun, who had realized through what had happened along the way that he could not compete with Zhu Chengwu's two companions, Wang Taoshan and Yang Yanwu, took the initiative to apply to stay in Xuzhou City.

There is no fool who can become Grandmaster Yangshen!

Since he cannot win the competition in front of Zhu Chengwu, then he won't compete in front of Zhu Chengwu. Lu Shangjun thinks he can save the country in a roundabout way!

Although Zhu Xiumin was seriously injured by Zhu Chengwu as soon as they met, Wang Taoshan, Yang Yanwu and Lu Shangjun, who were sharp-eyed and experienced, all understood that there was affection between Zhu Chengwu and Zhu Xiumin, the brother and sister.

Zhu Chengwu attaches great importance to his sister Zhu Xiumin.

"Okay! In that case, I'll trouble Master Lu!"

Zhu Chengwu glanced at Lu Shangjun who volunteered, gave Lu Shangjun a fist bump, and thanked him for the favor.

"I dare not, I dare not! My Lord, you are too kind!"

Seeing Zhu Chengwu's actions, Lu Shangjun was stunned, and then quickly returned the greeting.

"It seems that my choice is right! Marquis Fu'an attaches great importance to his biological sister Zhu Xiumin!
Wang Taoshan and Yang Yanwu, the two of you should just stay by the side of the Marquis and compete for his favor!
You want to rely on wooing the Marquis for favor in order to advance Shuoqing Temple/Yang Family to a higher level and allow you to become the pinnacle Yang God/top master. But you don't think about the level of enemies that the Marquis will face with his strength. Even if you are a master Yang God, you will inevitably get hurt or even die!

Moreover, with the strength of you ordinary Grandmasters and ordinary Yang Gods, how much role can you really play by the side of the Marquis, and how much help can you provide to the Marquis?

By then, maybe the chance to become a top master will fall into the hands of me, the one who helps the Marquis solve his problem of being unable to split his time between the two!"

Feeling once again how much Zhu Chengwu valued Zhu Xiumin, Lu Shangjun couldn't help but complain in his heart while returning the gift.

After finishing his explanation, Zhu Chengwu did not stay for long, and did not even enter Xuzhou City. He turned around and left with Wang Taoshan, Yang Yanwu and Cui Shuyun.

Looking at Zhu Chengwu leaving, some people felt regretful and some were relieved, but the same thing was that no one dared to speak up to dissuade Zhu Chengwu from leaving.

From the fact that Zhu Xiumin, the eldest sister, was seriously injured by Zhu Chengwu due to a disagreement just now, and from Zhu Chengwu's domineering speech as the "evil tyrant" just now, everyone understood one thing.

That is, Zhu Chengwu now cannot tolerate any dissenting voices.

Since Zhu Chengwu wants to leave, it would be better for them not to stop him.

Otherwise, the consequences will be unpredictable!
Just as Zhu Chengwu and his four companions were wandering slowly in the territory of the Ming Dynasty, scenes related to Xuzhou City began to be displayed on the desks of the decision-makers of the major forces of the Ming Dynasty.

Although intelligence about Zhu Chengwu has already filled the desks of decision-makers of major forces since Zhu Chengwu reappeared, the Xuzhou City incident is still a piece of intelligence that must be placed on the desks of decision-makers of major forces even if it means squeezing it out.

Because this was the first time that Zhu Chengwu showed his strength in public after his rebirth. Outside the capital of Daming, in Hulong Villa.

"Has the Qing, Yuan, and Song dynasties' officials still not issued a statement to disprove the Yang Lei True Flame event in the Elbru Mountains?"

Twenty-five years ago, after Zhu Chengwu disappeared, Zhu Wusi, the Iron-hearted Godly Marquis who rose to prominence, asked this question to his four main spies.

"Reporting to godfather, no!"

Shangguan Haitang, the No. 1 secret agent in charge of intelligence, bowed and replied.

"Foster father, it's been a month! Such a major event involves so many important people, but the three dynasties have remained silent and have been slow to come forward to refute the rumors. I'm afraid that the rumor about the formation of the Yang Lei True Flame in the Elbru Mountains is not false!"

Looking at Zhu Wusi, who frowned after Shangguan Haitang finished speaking, the number one spy Duan Tianya made this analysis.

Although Duan Tianya's analysis made sense, it did not ease the frown on their adoptive father Zhu Wusi's face at all.

Could it be that Zhu Wusi, their adoptive father, could not have thought of Duan Tianya’s analysis?
Do not!
Zhu Wusi thought of it!

Zhu Wusi is just reluctant to admit it!

After all, if the rumors are true, then the combat power of the seventh brother Zhu Chengwu is too extraordinary!

This was a huge blow to Zhu Wusi, his thirteenth brother who always took Zhu Chengwu as a template and wanted to surpass Zhu Chengwu in everything.

Therefore, Zhu Wushi was just holding on to the hope that something might happen, waiting for the officials of the three major dynasties, the Qing Dynasty, the Yuan Dynasty, and the Song Dynasty, to come forward to refute Zhu Chengwu's military achievements.

Although as time passed, the officials of the three dynasties were slow to come forward to refute the rumors, Zhu Wushi knew rationally that the possibility of his seventh brother Zhu Chengwu's achievements in the Erbulu Mountains being false was very low.

However, Zhu Wushi's emotional luck still made him reluctant to give up the possibility that Zhu Chengwu, the benchmark he longed to surpass, might have his incredible performance falsified.

"However, is it really possible for one person to fight against thirteen Grandmaster Yang Shens alone and win in the end?"

If the number one spy Duan Tianya represents the rational side of their adoptive father Zhu Wusi, then the number one spy Gui Hai Yidao represents the emotionally untrustworthy side of Zhu Wusi.

For Gui Hai Yidao, not to mention Zhu Wusi, even Gui Hai Yidao's real idol - his father Gui Hai Bailian, who only reached the level of junior grandmaster in his life, pursued only the position of the first person under the grandmaster.

He also has great respect and envy for the Grandmaster and Yangshen.

Gui Hai Yidao could not accept that his idol's idol, Grandmaster Yang Shen, who was regarded as a legend and the limit of the world by people in the world, would one day be slaughtered like cutting melons and vegetables.

Although no one has disproven it, no one has confirmed it either, except Zhu Chengwu, Wang Taoshan and others who stood on the side!

This is the reason why Gui Hai Yidao is unwilling to believe Zhu Chengwu’s achievements.

"If it were anyone else, they might not be able to do it, but if that person is my seventh brother..."

Although Gui Hai Yidao's point of view was the same as Zhu Wushi's lucky side, Gui Hai Yidao's remarks became the last straw that broke the camel's back, causing Zhu Wushi to completely lose the lucky mentality in his heart.

After being in power for so many years, Zhu Wusi has long understood one thing, that is, relying on luck is not good!

Hurt self and others!

One against thirteen is incredible, but don't forget that twenty-five years ago, Zhu Chengwu, who was only twenty-eight years old, was able to fight against the four great masters of Shaolin Temple alone and won, and among them were powerful masters such as Wu Se and Wu Wo.

Now Zhu Chengwu's practice time has more than doubled. Although one against thirteen is incredible, it is not impossible or unimaginable.

Twenty-five years ago, Zhu Chengwu defeated the four great masters of Shaolin Temple alone and performed strongly in the palace of Nanzhu Kingdom. These pre-existing impressions were also the important reasons why the top leaders of the Ming Dynasty and other dynasties were skeptical about Zhu Chengwu's achievements in the Elbrus Mountains at the beginning, and began to be more skeptical after the officials of the Qing Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty and Song Dynasty remained silent.

Pre-set fixed impressions have a huge impact on people.

"Godfather, what should we do now?"

Seeing that his adoptive father Zhu Wusi seemed to acknowledge the achievements of Zhu Chengwu, the Marquis of Fu'an who had disappeared for twenty-five years, Xuanzi's number one spy Shangguan Haitang asked.

"Haitang is right, Divine Marquis. Since that Marquis Fu'an is so powerful, we must come up with a charter as soon as possible to stop him!"

The last number one spy Cheng Shifei spoke after Shangguan Haitang.

As everyone knows, Cheng Shifei is not only the successor of Gu Santong, the number one person under the Grand Master of the Ming Dynasty, but also the Marquis of the Ming Dynasty.

His wife is the only legitimate sister of the current King Ming - Princess Yunluo.

Once Zhu Chengwu, the "Seventh Uncle Prince", succeeds in ascending to the throne without anyone being able to stop him, then he, the Duke of the Marquisate, his wife Princess Yunluo, and his brother-in-law, the Current Prince Ming, will be in a dilemma.

"It is so difficult to stop my Seventh Brother! You must know that my Seventh Brother was the best fighter of the Ming Dynasty who was able to defeat the four great masters of Shaolin Temple alone 25 years ago. If it weren't for my Seventh Brother who went to the Elbru Mountains for the Yang Lei Zhenyan, my eldest brother, the late king, might not have been able to sit on the throne of the Ming King smoothly!

At that time, under the military oppression of my brother the Seventh Prince, who was the strongest in the Ming Dynasty, many forces and masters in the territory of the Ming Dynasty turned to him!

Although with the disappearance of my seventh brother, many forces such as the Fu'an Marquisate have lost their support, and the monkeys scatter when the tree falls!

In the following twenty years, most of the problems were solved by my eldest brother and nephew.

But more than 20 years have passed, and my Seventh Brother's military force has become even stronger. Under the more threatening military pressure of my Seventh Brother, more forces and masters will turn to my Seventh Brother!

Not to mention the distant ones, just the three Yangshen masters Wang Taoshan, Yang Yanwu, and Lu Shangjun and the forces they can mobilize are not so easy to deal with. "

Facing the questions from Shangguan Haitang and Cheng Shifei, Zhu Wusi spoke with a frown.

How to stop Zhu Chengwu, the seventh prince?

To be honest, Zhu Wusi really had no good solution for his Thirteenth Brother.

Judging from his past performance, Zhu Chengwu did not tell anyone, went to the Elbrus Mountains alone for Yang Lei Zhenyan, and ignored his relatives and friends such as the Fu'an Marquisate and the Zhao family, it can be seen that the seventh prince Zhu Chengwu is a true ruthless and ungrateful tyrant.

Such people have no emotions and no flaws!
Zhu Chengwu, who possesses this attribute, also has the strongest military force that can overwhelm the six dynasties!

How should Zhu Wusi respond to this?
Make bricks without straw!

Because of the reappearance of the seventh brother Zhu Chengwu, Zhu Wusi is no longer so wary of or concerned about Cheng Shifei, his old rival, old brother, and love rival, the descendant of Gu Santong.

After all, Gu Santong was defeated by Zhu Wusi and imprisoned on the ninth floor of the Heavenly Prison.

No matter what strategies Zhu Wusi used or what price he paid to defeat Gu Santong, the fact that Zhu Wusi defeated Gu Santong head-on will not change.

But what about Zhu Chengwu?
This is an enemy that Zhu Wusi has never defeated in his life.

And many times, Zhu Wusi didn't even have the courage to face Zhu Chengwu head-on.

This is the difference!
"God, what do you mean? You don't want to surrender before the battle, do you?"

Cheng Shifei heard something wrong unconsciously revealed in the words of Uncle Zhu Wusi, and questioned him.

Although Cheng Shifei's words contained a question, to be honest, Cheng Shifei's questioning actually reminded Zhu Wusi.

Perhaps Zhu Wushi himself did not notice that the seeds of surrender were already sprouting in his heart.

(End of this chapter)